The West Bengal Police Cyber Crime Wing has questioned industrialist Pawan Kumar Ruia, along with his son and daughter, for over eight hours in Kolkata in connection with a massive ₹315-crore cyber fraud and money-laundering case. The interrogation took place on Monday, January 5, at the Cyber Crime Office, days after the Calcutta High Court granted anticipatory bail to Ruia and two members of his family.
Investigators allege that proceeds from multiple online scams across India were routed through bank accounts linked to members of the Ruia family and a web of shell companies, with a substantial portion allegedly converted into cryptocurrency to conceal the money trail. The police maintain that the scale and complexity of the case warrant custodial interrogation, even as the accused have secured interim protection from arrest.
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High Court Relief, Police Push Back
According to sources, Ruia’s counsel argued before the court that an arrest warrant issued on December 22, 2025, under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), violated earlier judicial protection and the principle of balancing investigation with personal liberty. It was also submitted that the Supreme Court had directed that no coercive steps be taken for a limited period, and that a petition seeking quashing of the FIR remains pending before a coordinate bench. On these grounds, the High Court granted anticipatory bail.
However, senior officers in the Cyber Crime Wing expressed concern over the decision, stating that physical custody is crucial to decode encrypted devices, decentralised payment systems and crypto wallets allegedly used to launder funds. Police sources described the alleged offence as being of an “unprecedented magnitude”, involving at least 186 companies and shell entities operating across states.
How the Case Began
The case was registered suo motu by the Cyber Crime Wing following an internal probe into a cluster of cyber fraud complaints. Investigators claim that ₹315 crore in scam proceeds was traced to bank accounts of shell firms and individuals connected to the Ruia family. Data from the National Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) shows that, as of October 31, 2025, 1,379 complaints had been lodged against these accounts, with over 100 complaints originating from West Bengal alone.
Key Accused and Crypto Trail
Police have identified Rahul Verma (27), a Delhi resident currently in custody, as a key operative in the alleged money-laundering chain. Investigators say Verma was “very close” to the Ruia family and played a crucial role in moving illicit funds. According to police estimates, around ₹170 crore was converted into cryptocurrency to obscure origins and destinations.
The alleged syndicate is believed to have duped more than 1,000 victims nationwide through fake investment platforms, so-called “digital arrest” scams, and other online frauds. Investigators say the network has been active since 2024, operating as a highly organised, tech-savvy syndicate with multi-state reach.
What the Police Are Seeking
Despite anticipatory bail, the Cyber Crime Wing is exploring legal options to seek custodial interrogation, arguing it is vital to unmask the conspiracy, recover digital evidence, and complete technical decryption. Officers stress that cooperation alone may be insufficient given the sophistication of the alleged laundering mechanisms.
What Lies Ahead
With questioning underway and multiple leads being pursued, the investigation is expected to widen. Police are scrutinising banking trails, corporate structures, crypto wallets, and digital footprints linked to the accused and associated entities. Further legal moves, including petitions before higher courts, remain possible as investigators press to deepen the probe.
The case underscores the evolving nature of cybercrime and money laundering, where traditional banking channels intersect with cryptocurrency and shell firms, posing fresh challenges for enforcement agencies nationwide.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
