Odisha Crime Branch Cracks Rs 6.28 Crore Cyber Fraud; 24 Arrested With Foreign Links

The Odisha Crime Branch has cracked a significant cyber fraud case involving ₹6.28 crore, leading to the arrest of 24 individuals with international connections.

The investigation revealed that the operation spanned multiple states, including Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Rajasthan, with over 100 bank accounts used in the fraudulent activities. This highlights the extensive nature of the criminal network involved in the scam.

The Odisha Crime Branch has cracked a cyber fraud scheme where Kuntal Mazumdar lost ₹6.28 crore after being lured by false investment promises via a WhatsApp group named 'KOTAK INVESTMENT CLUB.' The fraudsters posed as professional investors, enticing him with claims of high returns.

The investigation uncovered a complex network of connections across states and potential international links. The CB's findings highlight the increasing sophistication of online scams targeting unsuspecting investors.

Initially, Kuntal Mazumdar was encouraged to invest small amounts, quickly turning ₹50,000 into ₹2 lakh, prompting him to invest larger sums based on assurances of high returns. However, when he tried to withdraw his earnings, he was blocked, realizing he'd been scammed. Reporting the incident on August 24, 2024, led to an investigation uncovering a network of over 100 bank accounts across Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. The Crime Branch arrested 24 suspects linked to the organized operation that had defrauded multiple victims.

CID Crime Branch ADG Vinaytosh Mishra reported that the investigation into the cyber fraud has uncovered potential international links. Currently, ₹60 lakh in funds have been frozen, with further funds being monitored. The operation involved collaboration across states, leading to the arrest of 24 suspects—nine in Tamil Nadu, eight in Gujarat, and seven in Rajasthan. The Crime Branch has seized around 100 bank accounts related to the scheme and recovered ₹16.85 lakh. Legal proceedings against the suspects are ongoing.