Bidhannagar cyber crime police have arrested three individuals in connection with two separate investment fraud cases in which victims were allegedly cheated of nearly ₹90 lakh through WhatsApp-based scam networks. Police said the victims were lured with promises of unusually high and guaranteed returns before being persuaded to transfer large sums of money.
WhatsApp Groups Used to Lure Victims
According to police, both complainants were added to WhatsApp groups where fake investment opportunities and profit assurances were circulated. The groups allegedly created a trust-based environment to convince victims that the schemes were genuine.
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Investigators said the victims were promised high returns on investment and were gradually induced to deposit larger amounts. After the money was transferred, the promised profits were not credited and the principal amounts were not returned.
Authorities said such frauds are increasingly being operated through social media and messaging platforms, where criminals use group conversations to build credibility and pressure victims into investing.
Two Held in Baguiati Case
In one case, a Baguiati resident was allegedly cheated of ₹58.5 lakh after being persuaded to invest over time. Police said a formal complaint was filed on May 7, after which digital and financial tracking was initiated.
Following the investigation, police arrested Wasim Akram and Surajit Mandal, who were linked to New Town and Magrahat areas. Officials are questioning the accused to determine their specific roles in the alleged fraud.
Investigators are examining WhatsApp chats, bank account details and transaction records to trace the movement of money and identify other people involved in the network.
Rajarhat Victim Lost ₹31.6 Lakh
In the second case, a Rajarhat resident was allegedly defrauded of ₹31.6 lakh after being added to a similar WhatsApp investment group. A complaint was lodged on February 7 after the promised returns failed to materialise.
Based on the probe, police arrested Asim Chhetri, a resident of Nandakumar in East Midnapore. Officials suspect that the accused may be linked to a larger organised cyber fraud syndicate using social media platforms to target victims.
Police are now tracing bank accounts, intermediaries and transaction layers allegedly used to conceal the movement of funds. Further investigation is underway, and more arrests are likely as the probe expands.
