The Special Cell of the Delhi Police has arrested four individuals in connection with a cyber fraud operation that reportedly defrauded unsuspecting victims of over Rs 5 crore. The accused were apprehended following a raid at Hotel Imperial Residency in Dwarka on the basis of a tip-off, according to official sources.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Sultan Saleem, Syed Ahmed Choudhary, Tushar Mallya, and Satish Kumar, all residents of Maharashtra. Police revealed that the accused were staying in room 105 of the hotel, reportedly arranged to avoid detection, and confessed to providing bank accounts for illegal transactions under the instructions of an individual named Rocky.
Bank accounts used for massive transactions
The investigation reportedly began when suspect Sultan Saleem Sheikh disclosed that he had opened a current account approximately a month ago after being promised a 25% commission by his neighbour, Dr. Abdur Rehman, for facilitating cyber fraud-related transactions.
Police examination of Saleem’s mobile phones uncovered substantial evidence, including OTP messages and bank statements, demonstrating that the account had been used for 10,423 transactions between November 20 and 26. These transactions involved over Rs 5 crore in deposits and an equivalent amount in withdrawals, highlighting the scale and sophistication of the racket.
Authorities said the accused admitted to their role in providing bank accounts to the fraud network and detailed how Rocky had orchestrated the arrangement, including coordinating hotel accommodation to avoid law enforcement scrutiny. The Special Cell confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with plans to confront the accused at various locations to facilitate recovery of the misappropriated funds.
Police custody and legal proceedings
Despite opposition from Advocate Deepak Tyagi, who appeared on behalf of the accused, the court granted the police a three-day custody remand. During this period, law enforcement officials aim to trace the full extent of the cyber fraud network, identify additional accomplices, and secure evidence critical for prosecution.
Police officials emphasized that the case underscores the increasingly sophisticated methods employed by cybercriminals, including the use of legitimate bank accounts to mask fraudulent activity and avoid detection. They noted that timely intelligence and technological scrutiny were instrumental in unraveling this network.
Public advisory and broader context
Authorities have also urged the public to exercise caution in online financial transactions, particularly when approached with unsolicited offers or promises of high returns. The case highlights the need for vigilance and verification, especially as cybercrime increasingly leverages complex financial channels to exploit unsuspecting individuals.
The Special Cell continues its probe into the Rs 5 crore fraud, examining the digital and financial footprints of the accused, while coordinating with other law enforcement agencies to ensure full recovery of misappropriated funds. Police sources indicated that further arrests are expected as the investigation progresses.
