Cyberabad police arrest 25 cyber scammers so far this year; refund over Rs 78 lakh to victims

Hyderabad: The Cyberabad Police have successfully detected 13 cybercrime cases from December 31, 2025, to January 15. It has also led to the arrest of 25 offenders across multiple States.

Out of the 25 arrests, 12 were linked to trading fraud. More than Rs 78 lakh was refunded to victims of cyber fraud, the police said in a public statement.

The investigation revealed the pan-India spread of cybercriminal networks, with offenders from different states.

Cyberabad police said that they have successfully processed and obtained 182 refund orders in 50 cases from the court for Rs 78,77,130 to be refunded to victims.

Here are some important cybercrime cases that came to light:

1. Rs 1.34 crore fake trading app scam

The Cyber Crime Police registered a case of online trading fraud in which the accused created and operated a forged trading application (NUVAPRO) and fake investment platforms to cheat the victim.

The victim was induced to invest money after being lured through a social media advertisement and added to a fraudulent WhatsApp group titled ‘Nuvama Wealth Stock Market Think Tank.’

By projecting fake experts and showing manipulated profits, the accused gained the victim’s trust and caused a total wrongful loss of Rs 1,34,68,788. The investigation revealed the use of shell firms and bank accounts to receive and layer the fraud proceeds.

Modus operandi

- The accused advertised fake trading opportunities on Instagram and redirected victims to WhatsApp investment groups.

- Fake identities such as ‘Prof. Ashish Kehair’ and ‘Tanishka Sanyam’ were used to pose as investment experts and assistants.

- Victims were instructed to download a forged trading app (NUVAPRO) and log in using credentials provided by the accused.

- The app displayed manipulated trades and virtual profits, including upper-circuit stocks, block trades and fake IPO allotments.

- Victims were asked to deposit money repeatedly into multiple bank accounts/UPI IDs using unique ‘app charge codes,’ creating an illusion of institutional trading.

- When withdrawal was attempted, the accused demanded 20 per cent commission, taxes and settlement charges, but no money was ever returned.

- Funds were routed through shell companies to layer and conceal the proceeds of crime.

Two persons were arrested for knowingly creating a shell company and providing its bank account to cyber scammers for receiving and routing stolen money, in return for commission.

2. Rs 2.13 crore fake trading app scam

The Cyber Crime Police registered a case of online trading and crypto investment fraud, wherein the victim was initially contacted through Facebook. The conversation was later shifted to WhatsApp, where the accused falsely claimed to be involved in trading and investment activities. The accused induced the victim to invest through a forged trading website and guided him within a trading group. Fake profits were shown through manipulated upper-circuit trades, block trades and institutional trading claims. The victim was repeatedly induced to invest additional amounts, including funds raised through loans.

Later, the accused induced the victim to apply for an IPO and subsequently claimed buyback issues. All withdrawals were locked and a demand for upfront commission was made. Communication was thereafter stopped and the trading group became inactive. The victim suffered a wrongful loss of Rs 2.13 crore due to the fraudulent activity.

Modus operandi

- The accused contacted victims through fake social media profiles.

- Victims were shifted to WhatsApp for continuous grooming and trust-building.

- A forged trading website was shared for account creation and investment.

- Fake trading groups were used to display manipulated profits, upper-circuit trades, block trades and IPO allotments.

- Victims were induced to invest repeatedly by showing institutional trading benefits.

- Withdrawals were blocked and additional amounts were demanded as commission and charges.

Two persons were arrested for supplying bank accounts to a cybercrime syndicate for commission and facilitating large-scale online fraud:

Public advisory

- Be cautious of investment advertisements on social media platforms.

- Never join WhatsApp or Telegram groups promising assured or unusually high returns.

- Download trading apps only from verified and SEBI-registered brokers.

- Remember that upper-circuit trading, block trades and guaranteed IPO allotments are common fraud tactics.

- Never pay advance commissions or taxes to withdraw investment profits.

- Citizens are urged to stay alert and report any suspicious communication immediately to 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.

For further updates, follow Cyberabad Police’s official communication channels.