New Delhi, August 6: The Central District Cyber Police Station in Delhi has apprehended two cybercriminals from Rajasthan involved in a Telegram-based part-time job and investment scam. These criminals provided ‘mule bank accounts’ to fraud syndicates, facilitating the transfer of money obtained through online scams and enabling money laundering activities.
According to police reports, the case emerged following a complaint about fraud conducted via Telegram on July 9, where the victim was defrauded of ₹284,100. The complainant stated that on June 9, a Telegram user named ‘Payal Singh Jat’ contacted them, offering online review tasks related to ‘FoodPanda.’ These tasks appeared legitimate and were designed to gain the victim’s trust.
Subsequently, on July 2, the complainant was introduced to another Telegram user named Gaurika Ojas, who persuaded them to invest money in an online investment scheme promising high returns.
Trusting the fraudsters’ claims, the victim transferred a total of ₹284,100 from State Bank of India (SBI) and Punjab National Bank (PNB) accounts to several bank accounts specified by the accused through UPI and IMPS transactions.
Based on the complaint, an FIR was registered on July 9 under sections 318(4) and 319 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at the Central District Cyber Police Station.
During the investigation, police traced the money obtained through fraud. The funds were transferred through various beneficiary accounts in banks such as Central Bank of India, Kerala Gramin Bank, and State Bank of India.
A detailed examination of the transactions revealed that ₹100,000 was deposited into a Central Bank of India account in Jodhpur, opened in the name of Dinesh. Upon investigating the account, it was found that ₹80,000 was withdrawn from a Central Bank of India ATM in Jodhpur, and ₹38,000 was withdrawn from an HDFC Bank ATM in Ajmer. Investigators also found evidence of ₹19,500 spent at a petrol pump.
Using technical surveillance, financial transaction analysis, and bank records, police established the account holder’s involvement in the scam. Under the supervision of ACP Saurabh A. Narendra from Paharganj, a special police team led by Inspector Yograj Dalal was formed, including ASI Pankaj, Head Constables Ravi Kant and Ashok, and Constable Nitin.
Acting on specific information, the team conducted a raid in Jodhpur on July 31 and arrested 21-year-old Dinesh. During questioning, investigators reportedly found evidence linking him to the fraud, leading to his arrest.
Based on Dinesh’s statement, police tracked down and arrested his alleged accomplice, 20-year-old Vikas Siyag, also from Jodhpur. Investigators believe both played a crucial role in arranging and providing the ‘mule bank accounts.’
Police seized four mobile phones and a SIM card from the accused. The confiscated devices have been sent for forensic examination to gather more evidence and identify other members of the syndicate.
During the investigation, officials also discovered that the bank account used in the case was linked to five registered cybercrime complaints in different areas, indicating its repeated use in cyber-based financial fraud. The criminal records of both accused are still under review.
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