Gonda (Uttar Pradesh): Police in Uttar Pradesh’s Gonda district have registered a second criminal case against five individuals in connection with an alleged cryptocurrency investment fraud in which investors were reportedly cheated of ₹5.4 million (₹54 lakh). The accused allegedly enticed victims with promises of exceptionally high returns, monthly income, and a digital coin that was claimed would be worth millions of dollars in the future. The latest FIR comes after an earlier case involving an alleged ₹18 million (₹1.80 crore) investment fraud linked to the same network, prompting investigators to intensify their probe.
According to complainant Ajharuddin Ansari, he came into contact with Rajneesh Roshan, a resident of Lucknow, who allegedly introduced himself as a cryptocurrency trader associated with a company called Vodbro Company. Rajneesh is accused of persuading Ajharuddin Ansari, Gufran Ansari, Saif Ali, Vishal Maurya, and Mohammad Azeem to invest in a cryptocurrency scheme. The investors were allegedly promised attractive monthly returns and assured that their investments would generate substantial profits within five to six months. They were also offered a cryptocurrency token named TLC 2.0, which was claimed would eventually be worth millions of dollars.
The complaint states that all investors were instructed to transfer their money into the bank account of Captor Money Solutions Private Limited. The accused allegedly gained the victims’ confidence by presenting the company’s directors and claiming that it was a legitimate investment platform. Acting on these assurances, the complainants transferred their funds between September and December 2024. Ajharuddin Ansari invested ₹1.3 million, Gufran Ansari ₹1.5 million, Saif Ali ₹1 million, Vishal Maurya ₹400,000, and Mohammad Azeem ₹1.2 million, taking the total investment to ₹5.4 million.
The complainants alleged that they initially received small returns for three to four months, making the investment appear genuine. However, the payments later stopped completely, and communication with the company and its associates was allegedly severed. When the investors demanded the return of their money, they claimed they were repeatedly given excuses. The complaint further alleges that they were threatened with serious consequences, including death threats, if they pursued legal action or continued demanding their funds.
Based on the complaint, police have registered a case against Rajneesh Roshan, Shilpi Singh, Deepak Kumar, Rahul Singh, and Mohammad Raza under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The investigation has been assigned to a police officer, who is examining financial transactions, bank accounts, and investment-related documents. Investigators are also trying to determine whether additional investors were allegedly defrauded through the same network.
According to Prof. Triveni Singh, a renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer, fraudsters involved in investment scams often build trust by paying small returns in the initial stages before persuading victims to invest larger amounts. Once substantial investments are collected, they typically cut off communication. He advised investors to independently verify a company’s regulatory status, business background, investment model, and financial claims before investing. Promises of unusually high returns should always be treated as a major warning sign.
Police are continuing to investigate the flow of funds, the company’s actual operations, the role of other potential beneficiaries, and possible links to additional individuals involved in the alleged fraud. Investigators are also examining the connection between the earlier investment fraud case and the newly registered FIR. Authorities have indicated that further legal action and additional arrests cannot be ruled out as the investigation progresses.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
