Bhubaneswar: The CID, Cyber Crime Unit of Crime Branch, Odisha, has arrested another accused, bringing the total number of arrests to 31, in an online trading investment fraud case involving a staggering amount of Rs 6.28 crore.
The accused, identified as Mohammed Faiz Ahmed, 23, from Hyderabad, Telangana, was arrested after a thorough investigation and analysis of transaction details and digital evidence.
The case was registered on August 24, 2024, based on a written report by the complainant, Kuntal Majumdar, from Angul, who alleged that he was defrauded by unknown cyber fraudsters who promised higher returns on investments in IPO and OTC trading. The accused persons and their associates represented themselves as trade analysts and cheated the complainant to the tune of ₹6.28 crore.
The investigating team, led by Dy. SP Kalpana Sahu, has been working tirelessly to crack the case, and so far, 30 accused persons have been arrested from various states, including Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Kerala, and West Bengal. The accused persons have been forwarded to the Court of JMFC Chhendipada, Angul.
The CID has seized various incriminating articles, including mobile phones, SIM cards, screenshots of chats, and Aadhar cards. Several bank accounts of the fraudsters have also been frozen. The investigation is ongoing, and the team is working to unearth other accomplices and the money trail.
The CID has appealed to citizens to beware of unsolicited investment offers on social media and messaging apps and to verify before investing to avoid falling victim to cyber frauds. They can report such matters at the 1930 Cyber Helpline or at the nearest police station.