Delhi Police have arrested a 25-year-old chef from Maharashtra’s Jalna district for his alleged role in a work-from-home cyber fraud that cost a Delhi resident over ₹17 lakh. Investigators said the accused played a key role in withdrawing and circulating the cheated money on behalf of a larger cybercrime network.
The accused has been identified as Pathan Uzef Khalil Khan. He was apprehended from Ambad in Jalna district and brought to Delhi on transit remand for further questioning.
The case came to light after Rahul Saini, a resident of Keshav Puram, filed an online complaint stating that cyber criminals lured him with fake work-from-home opportunities involving paid online tasks and siphoned off ₹17,16,777 from his account. Based on the complaint, police registered a case on January 1 under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
During the investigation, police traced the money trail by analysing digital footprints, social media links and banking transactions. Officers said the defrauded amount was credited to a bank account allegedly operated by the accused and later withdrawn through self-cheques.
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Using technical surveillance and mobile location analysis, the cyber team zeroed in on Khan’s whereabouts in Maharashtra. Interrogation revealed that he was among the operatives tasked with liquidating crime proceeds and rotating funds through multiple accounts to obscure their origin.
A senior police officer said the accused relied on mule accounts to move money in layers, making it difficult to track the final beneficiaries. He also frequently changed mobile numbers to evade law enforcement agencies.
Police have seized a mobile phone used in the offence. During questioning, Khan reportedly admitted that he joined the fraud network to meet financial needs and sustain an extravagant lifestyle.
Investigators said Khan had studied up to Class 12 and was working as a chef at a private hotel. Police are now examining his possible involvement in other similar cases and are working to identify additional members of the syndicate.
Officials believe the accused was part of a structured network in which different individuals handled victim engagement, account operations and fund movement. Further analysis of call records, banking data and digital evidence is underway to map the wider conspiracy.
Delhi Police have once again urged citizens to remain cautious of unsolicited work-from-home offers, online task schemes and promises of guaranteed returns circulated through social media and messaging platforms. People have been advised to verify such offers carefully and avoid clicking unknown links or sharing personal banking details.
Residents have also been encouraged to report suspected cyber frauds immediately to the cyber helpline or the nearest police station to enable timely intervention and recovery of funds.
Further investigation in the case is ongoing.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
