Mumbai | January 6, 2026 | The Mumbai Police have dismantled a sprawling international cyber fraud racket that allegedly cheated citizens across India of more than ₹200 crore, using matrimonial websites and social media platforms as hunting grounds. Seven accused have been arrested in the case, which investigators say spans multiple states and has overseas operational links.
The operation was carried out by the Crime Detection Branch (CDB), Cell-4, following confidential intelligence inputs about a syndicate targeting unsuspecting individuals seeking marriage alliances online. Police said the accused systematically built trust with victims before diverting them into bogus online forex and gold trading schemes, promising unusually high and assured returns.
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How the racket came to light
According to officials, the case surfaced after cyber surveillance units flagged suspicious transaction patterns and victim complaints pointing to a common modus operandi. Acting swiftly, teams raided Shivsai Residency Lodging and Boarding on the Ahmedabad Highway near Vasai, where several accused were staying.
The initial case was registered at Naigaon Police Station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act. Given the scale, complexity and interstate nature of the fraud, the investigation was later transferred to the CDB.
Modus operandi: trust, temptation, then trap
Investigations revealed a carefully layered con. Members of the gang first contacted victims—often professionals and middle-class individuals—through matrimonial portals and popular social networking platforms. After weeks of conversation and emotional bonding, victims were introduced to what appeared to be legitimate online trading platforms dealing in forex and precious metals.
To build confidence, early investments showed fabricated profits on fake dashboards. Once trust was secured, victims were encouraged to invest larger sums, sometimes their entire life savings. Funds were routed through multiple mule bank accounts, making tracing difficult. Eventually, when victims attempted withdrawals, communication stopped and the platforms vanished.
Seven arrested, links to 51 cases nationwide
Police have identified the arrested accused as Roshan Kumar Sitharama Shetty, Sabir Mohammad Khan, Sanad Sanjeev Das, Rahul Kumar alias Kailash Rakesh Kumar, Aamir Karam Sherkhan, Abhishek Anil Narkar alias Gopal, and Mohammad Rashid Fakir Mohammad Baloch alias Lucky.
Preliminary checks have linked the gang to at least 51 cybercrime cases registered across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Telangana, Karnataka, West Bengal, Goa and Chandigarh.
The offences invoke serious provisions of the BNS along with Sections 66(c) and 66(d) of the Information Technology Act, which deal with identity theft and cheating by personation using computer resources.
International links and encrypted operations
Investigators confirmed that the racket was operated from outside India, with handlers coordinating via encrypted communication platforms and fake digital identities. The accused allegedly used international payment gateways and shell accounts to launder proceeds, complicating the money trail.
“All the arrested accused are currently in judicial custody. Further investigation is underway to identify additional suspects, trace money trails and coordinate with international agencies,” a senior Crime Branch officer said, adding that more arrests were likely.
Rising cyber threat via matrimonial platforms
Cyber experts warn that matrimonial portals have increasingly become soft targets for fraudsters due to the emotional vulnerability involved. Unlike random phishing attempts, these scams rely on prolonged interaction, making detection harder and losses far greater.
Police have urged citizens to exercise caution while engaging with strangers online, avoid investment advice from unverified contacts, and report suspicious approaches immediately to cybercrime helplines.
What lies ahead
With digital frauds growing in sophistication and scale, the Mumbai Police say the case underscores the need for inter-agency cooperation, stronger cyber awareness, and faster international coordination. As investigators widen the net, authorities believe the crackdown could expose a larger global network exploiting online trust for financial crime.
For now, the arrests mark a significant breakthrough—but officials caution that cyber vigilance remains the first line of defence in an increasingly connected world.
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.
