Ahmedabad: Gujarat Police’s Surat cyber cell has arrested 20-year-old Aditya Pandey in an alleged online investment fraud case. He is accused of allowing his bank account to be used for transactions linked to a cyber fraud network operating through Telegram. Police are now searching for the alleged mastermind, Arif, who remains absconding.
The case involves a Surat businessman who was allegedly lured with promises of easy money through social media. The fraudsters initially paid him ₹150 for completing small online tasks, including liking and reviewing posts. After receiving the initial payment, the businessman reportedly began trusting the scheme. The accused then allegedly shifted the conversation towards investment-based tasks and promised higher returns.
According to police, the fraud began on Telegram. The initial payments were allegedly intended to build the victim’s confidence in the scheme. Once the trust was established, he was persuaded to invest money through an alleged investment platform. He was repeatedly asked to make payments on the assurance that his investment and profits could later be withdrawn easily.
Small Payments Used to Build Trust Before Larger Investments
The investigation found that the businessman transferred a total of ₹26.12 lakh in multiple transactions to accounts provided by the fraudsters. After investing a substantial amount, he attempted to withdraw his money but was unable to do so. When repeated attempts failed, he realised that he had allegedly been cheated and approached the cyber cell.
According to the cyber cell, the initial ₹150 payment was allegedly used to convince the victim that he could genuinely earn money by completing online tasks and making investments. Once the victim became comfortable with the process, the fraudsters gradually increased the amount demanded and continued to promise higher profits.
Police said Aditya Pandey was identified while tracing the flow of money. He allegedly came into contact with Arif through Telegram and provided his bank account in exchange for a three per cent commission. The account was allegedly used to receive and transfer money linked to cyber fraud.
Bank Account Recorded Transactions Worth Over ₹3.51 Crore
During the investigation, the cyber cell traced the money trail to Pandey’s bank account and subsequently arrested him. Police said transactions worth more than ₹3.51 crore had taken place through the account. This has raised suspicion that the account may have been used in multiple cybercrime cases beyond the fraud involving the Surat businessman.
Police also examined information available on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and found complaints linked to the bank account from other states. According to police, four cybercrime complaints were connected to the account. The total alleged fraud amount linked to the account was cited at around ₹1.97 crore.
Cybercrime experts say investment fraudsters often avoid asking victims for large sums at the beginning. Instead, they first make small genuine payments to establish credibility. Once the victim believes that the person or platform is legitimate, the fraudsters introduce larger investments and use promises of profits, tax payments, withdrawal charges or additional benefits to extract more money.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said that small initial payments are a key trust-building tactic used by organised cyber fraud networks. Once victims receive genuine payments in the early stages, they are often less hesitant to commit larger amounts later. Any investment platform or opportunity should be independently verified before money is transferred.
Alleged Mastermind Still Absconding, Wider Network Under Probe
Following Pandey’s arrest, investigators are focusing on alleged mastermind Arif and others believed to be connected with the network. Police are examining whether the bank account was used in additional cybercrime cases and how many victims may be linked to the operation.
The cyber cell is also investigating how the Telegram-based investment network targeted other people and which bank accounts were used to route the proceeds of the alleged fraud. The discovery of transactions worth crores of rupees through Pandey’s account could widen the scope of the investigation.
Investigators are tracing other accounts connected to the network and checking for additional victims while continuing efforts to locate Arif. The probe will also determine whether the accused were operating as part of a larger organised cybercrime network involved in Telegram-based investment fraud.
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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.
