Dehradun: In a major cyber fraud case reported from the capital, an individual was allegedly duped under the guise of an international trading certificate and his bank account was subsequently misused for suspicious transactions exceeding ₹2 crore. Following a court directive, the Cyber Police Station has registered a formal case and initiated an investigation into the matter.
Business Facade Inductions and Initial Capital Deposits
According to the complaint filed before the court by Mandakini Vihar, Kandoli resident Lavi Chaudhary, the fraud was orchestrated through a carefully planned financial deception involving fake promises of business opportunities in trading and export sectors. The accused allegedly introduced themselves as facilitators of a trading certification program that would enable international business operations.
The complainant stated that he was first introduced to an individual identified as Sudhir Kumar Malik through another associate, who further connected him to Daya Krishna Chandra Paneru. The accused allegedly convinced him that they could help establish a business involving baby care products, toys, and stock trading by securing an international trading certificate.
As part of the process, the complainant was initially made to deposit approximately ₹18,000 through a payment gateway platform and also allegedly paid ₹20,000 in cash. Investigators said these initial transactions were used to build trust and lure the victim further into the scheme.
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Digital Profile Isolation and Call Forwarding Manipulations
The complaint further states that in May 2025, the victim was called to Noida, where the accused allegedly intensified the fraud under the pretext of issuing an international trading certificate. It is alleged that during this meeting, the victim’s SIM card, current bank account cheque book, debit card, email ID, and passwords were taken under their control.
The accused also reportedly instructed the victim to divert mobile call forwarding to another number, effectively isolating him from alerts and banking notifications. Believing the claims to be legitimate, the victim allegedly handed over all sensitive financial and digital credentials.
Following this, the accused allegedly gained full control over the victim’s bank account and began conducting unauthorized transactions. According to the complaint, transactions amounting to approximately ₹2,09,29,000 were carried out without the victim’s knowledge or consent.
Inter-State Cell Alerts and Haldwani Premise Abscondings
The victim later became aware of the fraud when he was contacted by authorities from Indore cyber cell in Madhya Pradesh regarding suspicious banking activity linked to his account. Attempts to reach the accused reportedly failed, as their phone numbers were found switched off.
Further allegations state that when the complainant attempted to visit the accused’s residence in Haldwani, the premises were found locked, raising further suspicion of a coordinated escape. The victim also claimed that the fraud caused significant financial and psychological distress, as his banking instruments had already been blocked after misuse.
Court-Ordered First Information Reports and Forensic Audits
Officials stated that on the basis of the court order, an FIR has been registered under relevant sections related to cyber fraud, cheating, and criminal conspiracy. Cyber police teams are now examining bank statements, transaction trails, mobile data records, and digital communication logs linked to the case.
Investigators are also probing whether the accused are part of a larger interstate cyber fraud network operating through fake trading and investment schemes. Initial findings suggest that similar methods may have been used in other cases involving fake certification and investment promises.
Senior officials confirmed that efforts are underway to trace the accused and identify their locations. Coordination with multiple cyber units across states has also been initiated to track financial flows and possible money laundering channels.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious of unsolicited offers related to trading certificates, high-return investment schemes, and digital business opportunities, especially those involving transfer of banking credentials or personal data.
The case remains under active investigation, and further developments are expected as forensic analysis of digital evidence progresses.