New Delhi: A major cyber fraud racket operating through WhatsApp-based task and investment scams has been busted in the national capital, with five accused arrested from Uttarakhand. The network, which allegedly provided mule bank accounts to cyber criminals across the country, came to light following a complaint by a Delhi resident who was duped of over ₹1 lakh.
Victim Lured Through WhatsApp Group and Online Tasks
According to investigators, the case surfaced after a resident of New Ashok Nagar reported that he was added to a WhatsApp group on April 6. In the group, fraudsters posed as digital marketing professionals and introduced product-based online tasks, promising lucrative returns. The victim was initially given small incentives to build trust, a common tactic used in such scams, before being encouraged to invest larger sums.
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Believing the assurances of high returns, the complainant transferred money through multiple transactions. However, once the amount increased, the fraudsters stopped responding, leaving the victim cheated. The total loss reported in the case exceeds ₹1 lakh, highlighting the growing threat of such task-based cyber frauds.
During the investigation, authorities conducted a detailed analysis of bank transactions, KYC records, and digital footprints linked to the fraudulent activity. The probe revealed that a portion of the defrauded money was routed through bank accounts operated in Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand. These accounts were allegedly used as mule accounts to layer and transfer the stolen funds, making it difficult to trace the money trail.
Five Accused Arrested In Uttarakhand
Based on technical surveillance and financial tracking, a team conducted coordinated operations in Uttarakhand and arrested five accused identified as Raj Bachhar (18), Sameer Bachhar (21), Rohit Ray (18), Rohit Mistri (18), and Harish Sarkar (18). All the accused are believed to be part of a network facilitating cyber fraud by arranging and operating multiple bank accounts used in illegal transactions.
Investigators revealed that the accused played a crucial role in enabling cyber criminals by providing access to bank accounts that were either opened using forged documents or obtained from unsuspecting individuals. These accounts were then used to receive and transfer funds obtained through fraud, effectively acting as a financial backbone for the racket.
Cyber security experts warn that such task-based scams have seen a sharp rise in recent months, particularly through messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. Fraudsters often lure victims with simple online tasks such as liking products, reviewing items, or subscribing to channels, gradually convincing them to invest money with promises of high and quick returns.
Renowned cyber crime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said, “Cyber criminals are increasingly using social engineering techniques to exploit trust. Task-based scams are designed to psychologically manipulate victims by offering initial gains, which makes them more likely to invest larger amounts later. The use of mule accounts further complicates the investigation process.”
Probe Into Mule Accounts and Cyber Network
Authorities are now working to identify other members of the network and trace the origin of the WhatsApp groups used in the scam. There is also a possibility of links to larger interstate or international cyber fraud syndicates, given the pattern of operations and financial routing.
The arrested accused are currently under further interrogation, and additional arrests cannot be ruled out. Officials have urged the public to remain cautious while dealing with unknown online investment opportunities and to verify the authenticity of any platform before transferring money.
