A cyber fraud racket that allegedly targeted victims through international WhatsApp calls and promises of foreign currency payouts has been uncovered in Andhra Pradesh, with two individuals arrested for allegedly cheating a software engineer out of ₹21.37 lakh in a fake customs clearance scam.
Investigators said the accused allegedly convinced the victim that a large amount of U.S. currency had been seized by customs authorities and could be released only after payment of various fees. The victim was reportedly promised a share of the money in return for financial assistance.
According to the complaint, the victim, a software engineer originally from Madanapalle and employed in Bengaluru, received a WhatsApp call from an international number on March 22. The caller allegedly introduced himself as “Edwin,” claiming to be a pediatrician based in Texas, United States.
Investigators said the caller gradually built trust through regular conversations on WhatsApp before introducing the alleged investment opportunity. On April 4, the caller informed the victim that he had arrived in India and claimed that customs authorities at Delhi airport had seized US$250,000 that he was carrying.
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The victim was allegedly told that clearance charges had to be paid urgently to secure the release of the money. In return, the caller promised to share a substantial portion of the funds once the customs issue was resolved.
Believing the story to be genuine, the software engineer allegedly transferred ₹21.37 lakh in multiple installments between April 4 and April 15 to several bank accounts provided by the fraudsters.
After realizing that he had been cheated, the victim approached authorities and lodged a complaint. A detailed investigation was subsequently launched using technical evidence, digital trails and banking records.
During the investigation, authorities tracked the movement of funds and identified individuals allegedly linked to the operation. In a joint operation, investigators arrested two suspects identified as Surajit Chetia and Ahotlian Kaipeng, who are originally from Assam and Tripura respectively. The arrests were made near Thattivaripalle Cross on the Madanapalle–Tirupati highway.
Searches conducted following the arrests led to the recovery of material believed to be connected to the alleged fraud network. Authorities seized approximately ₹2 lakh in cash, three mobile phones, 57 bank passbooks, 35 ATM cards and 49 cheque books.
Investigators suspect that the large number of banking instruments may indicate the use of multiple accounts for receiving and transferring funds. The recovered digital devices and financial records are now being examined to determine whether the accused were involved in additional cyber fraud cases or were part of a larger network operating across different states.
Cybercrime experts note that customs clearance scams have become increasingly common in recent years. Fraudsters typically contact victims through social media, messaging platforms or international phone numbers, develop trust over time and then fabricate stories involving gifts, foreign currency, inheritance claims or parcels allegedly held by customs authorities.
Victims are often pressured into making repeated payments under the pretext of customs duties, clearance fees, taxes or documentation charges. Once money is transferred, the fraudsters either disappear or continue demanding additional payments.
Authorities have urged the public to remain cautious when receiving unsolicited international calls or messages promising gifts, foreign currency, investment opportunities or financial rewards. People have also been advised not to share banking details, passwords or one-time passwords (OTPs) with unknown individuals.
The investigation is continuing to determine whether additional suspects were involved and whether the alleged fraud network targeted other victims across the country. Officials are also tracing the financial trail of the money transferred in the case and examining links to other cybercrime complaints.
