TGCSB arrests six from Kerala and Bengaluru in 3 cyber fraud cases worth Rs 16.2 crore

Hyderabad: In a breakthrough in high-value cyber fraud investigations, the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has arrested six persons for their alleged participation in a coordinated multi-state operation across Kerala and Bengaluru.

The arrests relate to three major cases involving digital arrest scams and online trading fraud, in which victims suffered cumulative losses exceeding Rs 16.2 crore.

Three accused arrested in Kerala and Bengaluru each

As part of the ongoing probe into organised cybercrime networks, TGCSB deployed two special teams to Kerala and one to Bengaluru.

Following meticulous intelligence analysis and synchronised field action, investigators apprehended three accused in Kerala and three in Bengaluru, including five bank account holders and one agent used to launder fraud proceeds.

The arrests pertain to cases registered at CCPS (HQ), TGCSB:

Cr. No. 38/2024: Loss of Rs 5.66 crore

Cr. No. 01/2026: Loss of Rs 7.12 crore

Cr. No. 02/2026: Loss of Rs 3.40 crore

Case 1: ‘Digital Arrest’ scam targeting senior citizens

A senior citizen woman was coerced through fake ‘digital arrest’ tactics after fraudsters claimed her Aadhaar-linked number was involved in crimes. The victim was kept under constant surveillance via Skype, threatened with legal action and shown forged CBI/RBI documents.

Under pressure, she transferred large sums via RTGS between November 14 and December 3, 2024, including breaking fixed deposits. The fraud came to light when she visited the CBI office at Koti and discovered the documents were fake.

Loss: Rs 5,66,51,100

Accused Arrested (Kerala):

Renju Pathakku Reji (30) — Businessman

Role: Provided a company bank account as a mule account for commission.

Seizure: 1 mobile phone

Case 2: Parcel scam and fake police threats

Modus: Fake courier alert followed by police impersonation

A senior citizen received a WhatsApp call posing as Blue Dart customer care, alleging illegal contents in a parcel. The call escalated to a fake ‘Bombay Police’ officer who intimidated the victim into secrecy and forced multiple fund transfers over two months.

Loss: Rs 7,12,80,000

Accused Arrested (Kerala):

Arun Sreenivas (41) — Digital Marketing Business

Sanal V. Menon (48) — Banking & Finance Consultant

Role: Knowingly supplied bank accounts for commission after business losses.

Seizure: 2 mobile phones

Case 3: Online trading and IPO fraud

Modus: Fake trading platform with false profit assurances

A businessman from Begumpet was lured into investing through WhatsApp by persons posing as market experts linked to the ORBM trading platform. After initial small ‘profits,’ he was pressured into investing heavily. Withdrawal requests triggered demands for more deposits, raising suspicion.

Loss: Rs 3,40,96,958

Accused Arrested (Bengaluru):

V Jayaprakash (43) — Director, ZIP Cleaning Services Pvt. Ltd.

Balaraju (51) — Director, ZIP Cleaning Services Pvt. Ltd.

Harish G (55) — Businessman

Role: Supplied company accounts and linked mobile phones to facilitate transactions for overseas fraudsters.

Seizure: 3 mobile phones

Efforts are underway to trace and arrest the absconding masterminds operating from outside the State.

Public advisory

TGCSB has urged citizens never to share bank accounts or credentials or allow their accounts to be used for money transfers on the promise of commission or tax avoidance. Such requests are strong indicators of cybercrime.