Gurgaon: A cyber fraud accused of orchestrating a ₹49.5 lakh online investment scam was arrested in Nepal following a prolonged two-year pursuit by Faridabad police, bringing to a close a case marked by digital deception, forged documents and cross-border evasion.
The accused, identified as Virender, a resident of Rohtak, was wanted in connection with a 2024 complaint filed at the Cyber Police Station in Faridabad’s NIT area. The case stemmed from allegations that he cheated a Sector 21D resident by luring him into bogus share market investments through online platforms and messaging channels.
A Promised Windfall, and a Vanishing Trail
Investigators said the fraud unfolded in July 2024, when the complainant was persuaded to transfer large sums after being promised high returns from stock market trading. Subsequent technical scrutiny revealed that the money was siphoned off through multiple digital routes, including layered bank accounts, e-wallets and online gateways, making initial tracking difficult.
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Bail, Disappearance and Digital Evasion
Virender was arrested during the early phase of the probe but managed to secure bail by claiming he had settled the dispute with the complainant. Police later discovered that the demand draft produced in court as proof of settlement was forged. Soon after being released, the accused went underground, prompting investigators to obtain a re-arrest warrant.
With conventional leads exhausted, cyber teams intensified technical surveillance. Digital footprints showed that the accused had switched to virtual SIM cards, encrypted communication platforms, and VPN services to mask his location and identity. These measures allowed him to stay ahead of law enforcement for several months.
Persistent monitoring of IP trails and intelligence inputs eventually indicated that Virender had fled India and was hiding in Butwal, Nepal, a city that has increasingly figured in cross-border cybercrime investigations due to ease of movement and access to digital infrastructure.
Cross-Border Operation
Based on these findings, a special team from Faridabad’s cyber unit was constituted and dispatched to Nepal. The team conducted discreet on-ground surveillance for several days, tracking the accused’s movements and verifying his identity without alerting local networks that could have facilitated another escape.
After completing coordination and legal formalities through the Indian mission in Kathmandu, the accused was detained and deported to India. He was brought back via Indira Gandhi International Airport on January 28, where he was formally arrested by the Faridabad cyber police team. He was produced before a local court and has since been remanded to judicial custody.
A Broader Pattern
Police are now examining whether Virender was operating alone or as part of a wider cybercrime network, and whether similar investment frauds can be linked to his digital trail. Devices seized during the arrest are being forensically analysed to identify additional victims and financial channels.
Authorities have reiterated warnings to the public against unsolicited online investment offers and urged investors to verify platforms and intermediaries before transferring funds. Further investigation is ongoing.
