Kerala Police have arrested Yahiya Abdul Latheef, a member of the board of directors of Kochi-based ecosystem development company Talrop, in connection with an alleged investment fraud case. The arrest was made following a complaint filed by a couple from Kallara, who alleged that they were cheated of ₹10 lakh after investing in the company.
According to the police, the complainants invested in the company during 2024 and 2025 after being promised attractive returns and regular profit-sharing. They initially received some payments, which strengthened their confidence in the investment. However, the payments later stopped completely, prompting them to approach the police and file a complaint.
During the investigation, police registered an FIR against four individuals, including Yahiya Abdul Latheef. The remaining three accused—Anas, Safeer Najumudeen and Sobir Najumudeen—are currently absconding, and efforts are underway to trace and arrest them.
Investigators are examining how the investors were persuaded to invest in the company, the purpose for which the funds were collected, and whether the money was utilised in accordance with the promises allegedly made to investors. Financial transactions, investment records and related documents are also being scrutinised.
The case gained wider attention after the company recently laid off nearly 300 employees, raising questions about its operations. Some former employees subsequently claimed that a large number of people had invested in the company, leading investigators to examine the alleged investment schemes more closely.
Police are now trying to determine whether the alleged fraud was limited to a few investors or involved a larger number of victims. Investigators are analysing the company’s financial records, investment agreements and banking transactions to establish the full extent of the alleged fraud.
According to the Future Crime Research Foundation, investment fraudsters often lure victims by promising unusually high and assured returns. In many cases, they make initial payments to build investor confidence before stopping payouts and allegedly misappropriating the invested funds. The foundation advises investors to independently verify a company’s legal status, regulatory compliance and investment offerings before committing money.
Police have urged the public to remain cautious of any investment opportunity promising unusually high or guaranteed returns. Investors should verify the credibility, registration and regulatory approvals of any company before investing and avoid making financial decisions based solely on attractive return claims. The investigation is continuing, and efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining accused.
