In a swift and coordinated operation, Pimpri-Chinchwad cyber police arrested two individuals allegedly linked to a ₹66.63 lakh cyber investment fraud. Investigations revealed ties to a Dubai-based criminal syndicate, shedding light on the growing transnational nature of digital financial crimes.
Rapid Response Leads to Key Arrests
The Pimpri-Chinchwad police have arrested two individuals for their alleged roles in a ₹66.63 lakh (approximately $79,900) cyber fraud case. The arrests, made within 24 hours of the case being reported, signal the increasing agility of Indian law enforcement in tackling sophisticated, cross-border scams.
The arrested individuals — Kamal Bhajan Tejwani from Kolhapur and Narendra Shashram Singh from Rajasthan — were apprehended in Kolhapur on Saturday. Authorities acted swiftly after receiving critical intelligence during the preliminary investigation of the case, which indicated that proceeds of the fraud had been funneled into a private bank account in Kolhapur.
The scam is reportedly linked to a Dubai-based criminal syndicate specializing in orchestrating fake investment schemes targeting Indian citizens. Victims were lured with promises of high returns, typical of “investment fraud” operations that are growing increasingly common across the country.
Inside the Operation: The Role of Local Enablers
During their probe, the cyber police discovered that a local bank account holder, Sunil Kumar Keswani, had handed over control of his account to Kamal Bhajan Tejwani. Investigators suspect that Keswani may have been recruited as a “money mule” — individuals who allow their accounts to be used for laundering illicit proceeds, often in exchange for a small commission.
Authorities detained Keswani for questioning, which subsequently led them to Tejwani. Tejwani, along with Singh, is believed to have played a crucial role in channeling the defrauded money to offshore operators or distributing it through a network of bank accounts to make tracing difficult.
Senior officers said that such decentralized operations involving small-town players are increasingly being used by international fraud syndicates to move large sums without attracting immediate regulatory scrutiny.
The Broader Threat: India’s Rising Battle Against Cyber Frauds
Officials emphasized that the case highlights the growing trend of foreign cybercriminal networks partnering with local collaborators to exploit India’s banking infrastructure. These operations often involve multiple layers of deception, making it challenging for both banks and investigators to detect anomalies in real-time.
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Pimpri-Chinchwad police have assured that further arrests are likely as they continue to dismantle the domestic arm of the network. Investigators are also collaborating with international agencies to trace the Dubai-based handlers believed to be orchestrating the scam.
“This is not an isolated incident. It points to an organized and systematic criminal enterprise that spans across borders,” said a senior cyber police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity. “The need for stronger preventive measures, including digital financial literacy among citizens, cannot be overstated.”