Hyderabad: Digital marketing gang busted in Old City, 2 held; Mercedes, iPads seized

Hyderabad: Rein Bazar police busted an alleged multi-level digital marketing fraud network in the Old City.

Two men linked to `Forever Living products’ were arrested for cheating dozens of people by luring them with promises of quick and easy income.

The accused were arrested near Etebar Chowk in the Mirchowk–Charminar area following credible information.

Accused identified

The arrested persons were identified as Mohammed Akram alias Akram (22), a resident of Edi Bazaar, and Mohd. Nouman Raza (22), a resident of Karimnagar.

Both were reportedly engaged in digital marketing activities and are alleged to have played key roles in running the scheme.

How the scam operated

According to police, the accused used social media platforms, particularly Instagram, to attract youth aged between 18 and 25 years with advertisements promising high earnings from home through a business model linked to Forever Living products.

Victims were first asked to pay a nominal joining fee of Rs 200 to create an ID. Subsequently, they were persuaded to invest around Rs 30,000 to purchase products, with assurances of earning commissions through further recruitment.

Police said the accused earned commissions ranging between 40% and 50% from direct recruits and additional percentages from subsequent levels in the network, resembling a multi-level marketing structure. In several cases, victims alleged they neither received products nor refunds after payment.

Office set up to expand network

Investigators revealed that Akram had rented a 3,000 sq. ft. office space in Karmanghat under the name “Achievers Club,” where recruitment drives were conducted.

Around 40 members were reportedly onboarded, who in turn contacted potential targets using shared leads and phone numbers.

The network allegedly expanded rapidly, with multiple members promoted to managerial levels, generating commissions for the accused through continued sales and recruitment.

Seizures made during raid

Police seized a range of items during the operation, including:

A Mercedes-Benz car

Multiple mobile phones, an iPad, and a MacBook

Boxes of Forever Living products and health supplements

Notebooks containing contact details of clients and leads

Promotional and training materials related to the scheme

Case registered, accused remanded

A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Telangana Protection of Depositors of Financial Establishments Act, and the Prize Chits and Money Circulation Schemes (Banning) Act.

The accused were produced before a court on Wednesday, and further investigation is underway to identify additional victims and possible accomplices.

Police caution public

Police have urged citizens, especially youngsters, to remain cautious of online schemes that promise unrealistic returns or easy income. Authorities advised verifying the legitimacy of such business models before investing money.