New Delhi: In a major crackdown on cyber financial crime, the Crime Branch of Delhi Police has busted a sophisticated cyber fraud network operating through a fake online investment platform, leading to the arrest of three accused individuals who allegedly cheated a victim of ₹47.20 lakh by promising high returns on stock, equity, and IPO investments.
Fake Profits, Deadly Digital Trap
According to officials, the arrested accused were part of a well-organised syndicate that used mule bank accounts and digital tools to route and launder money obtained through online fraud. The operation involved multiple layers of coordination, making it difficult for investigators to trace the movement of funds in the initial stages.
The case originated from an e-FIR registered at Cyber Police Station in the South West District, based on a complaint filed by a victim who was lured into investing through a fraudulent online platform that appeared to offer stock market and IPO-related opportunities. The victim was convinced to transfer large sums of money over time after being shown fake profit dashboards and manipulated returns.
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Mule Accounts Powered the Scam Machine
During the investigation, police identified a current account in the name of Orange Herbs Private Limited as a key “layer-1” account used to receive and further distribute the defrauded funds. Officials confirmed that nearly ₹3 lakh from the cheated amount was credited into this account alone. Further analysis revealed that the same account was linked to at least 12 other cyber fraud complaints, establishing its repeated use in similar illegal transactions.
The investigation was carried out under the supervision of senior officers, with a dedicated Crime Branch team conducting coordinated operations across multiple states, including Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh, and nearby regions. Technical surveillance, financial tracing, and ground intelligence were used to identify the accused and track their movements.
The first accused, identified as Vishal Chauhan, a 47-year-old resident of Jind in Haryana, was arrested for allegedly sharing his bank account credentials, SIM cards, debit cards, and cheque book with the syndicate members in exchange for commission. Investigators said he knowingly facilitated illegal transactions and received around ₹50,000 for providing access to his banking instruments.
During his arrest, police recovered multiple mobile phones used to execute the fraud. Officials stated that these devices were used to coordinate transactions and communicate with other members of the network.
The second accused, Ritvik Yadav, who allegedly acted as a mediator in the operation, was traced and arrested in Jaipur, Rajasthan. He is suspected of procuring bank kits and SIM cards from account holders like Vishal Chauhan and distributing them further within the fraud network in return for commissions.
The third accused, Priyal Pratap Yadav, a 22-year-old resident of Mainpuri in Uttar Pradesh, was apprehended from the Kingsway Camp area in Delhi. A mobile phone used for executing fraudulent transactions was recovered from his possession, police said.
Interstate Cyber Syndicate Under Scanner
Officials further stated that the arrested individuals were part of a larger organised syndicate that operated by purchasing or renting bank accounts from individuals and firms. These accounts were used to route cyber fraud proceeds, with commissions reportedly ranging between 25 per cent and 40 per cent, depending on the role and risk involved.
Police added that the network relied heavily on layering techniques to hide the origin of the money, making detection challenging. However, sustained technical surveillance and coordinated interstate raids eventually led to the exposure of the network.
Two of the accused, Vishal Chauhan and Ritvik Yadav, are currently in judicial custody, while further interrogation of all arrested individuals is underway.
Authorities have confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing to identify additional members of the syndicate and uncover the wider network involved in similar cyber fraud activities. Efforts are being intensified across Delhi-NCR and other regions to trace remaining suspects and prevent further financial crimes linked to the racket.
Officials have also warned citizens to remain cautious of fake investment platforms promising unrealistic returns, as such scams continue to evolve with more sophisticated digital methods.
