The Gurugram Cyber Police have uncovered an alleged international cyber fraud network following an investigation into a fake investment application that reportedly cheated retired Air Marshal T.S. Chhatwal of ₹2.65 crore.
According to the police, the investigation led to the arrest of six accused who allegedly created shell entities, opened bank accounts and supplied them to a Dubai-based syndicate involved in online investment fraud.
The investigation was conducted by the Special Cyber Crime Branch, Sector 56, under the supervision of ACP Cyber Crime Gaurav Phogat.
Fake Investment App Allegedly Used
According to the complaint, the retired Air Marshal invested ₹2,65,55,000 after being promised attractive returns through an online investment platform.
Police stated that the victim transferred funds to multiple bank accounts.
When he later attempted to withdraw his investment and the promised returns, he was allegedly asked to deposit additional money before any payment could be released.
This is a common pattern observed in investment scams where victims are repeatedly asked to make further payments under various pretexts before access to their own funds is denied.
Multi-State Raids Lead to Six Arrests
The investigation resulted in coordinated raids across Ghaziabad, Delhi and Bahadurgarh.
According to police, the following individuals were arrested:
- Sonu Chaudhary (Ghaziabad)
- Puneet Chaudhary
- Vikas (Noida)
- Abhishek (Meerut)
- Dushyant Chaudhary (Bulandshahr)
- Samrat Sibal (Delhi)
Investigators stated that the arrests followed a sequence of disclosures made during interrogation, with each accused allegedly leading officers to other members of the network.
Fraud Operations Allegedly Run From Rented Flat
Police allege that Puneet Chaudhary rented a flat in Omaxe City, Bahadurgarh, for approximately ₹17,000 per month.
According to investigators, the premises functioned as an operational centre where the accused allegedly:
- Registered fake firms
- Opened bank accounts
- Created fake email IDs
- Prepared forged documents
- Managed banking credentials
- Collected account-related records
Police further alleged that employees were hired on monthly salaries ranging from ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 to carry out documentation and account-opening activities.
Bank Accounts Allegedly Supplied to Dubai Syndicate
According to investigators, approximately ₹6 lakh from the alleged fraud was transferred into the account of a private firm managed by Sonu Chaudhary.
Police allege that Sonu opened and supplied the firm's bank account to Puneet for ₹60,000.
Investigators further claim that Puneet and Samrat Sibal subsequently provided these accounts to a Dubai-based cyber fraud syndicate, allegedly receiving a 5% commission on funds routed through the accounts.
Authorities are examining whether similar banking arrangements were used in other cyber fraud cases.
Dubai Connection Under Investigation
During questioning, police allege that Puneet disclosed travelling to Dubai four times between 2023 and 2026.
According to investigators, he met a person identified as "Rudra", who allegedly coordinated the collection of banking details for more than 200 bank accounts.
Authorities are working to verify these claims and establish the identities of overseas associates connected with the alleged network.
Digital Devices and Banking Material Seized
During the search operations, police reportedly recovered:
- Three laptops
- Sixteen mobile phones
- Ninety ATM cards
- Forty-two cheque books
- Rubber stamps of four companies
- A passport containing a Dubai visa
Investigators believe these materials may help establish how fake companies and bank accounts were created and operated.
The seized digital devices are undergoing forensic examination to identify financial transactions, communications and additional beneficiaries.
Complaints Found Across Multiple States
A review of the bank accounts allegedly linked to the accused revealed complaints from several states.
According to police, the accounts were already associated with complaints from:
- Rajasthan
- Telangana
- Jharkhand
- Kerala
- Karnataka
The existence of complaints in multiple jurisdictions suggests that the alleged network may have been used in more than one cyber fraud operation.
Authorities are coordinating with law enforcement agencies in other states to verify the extent of the alleged activities.
Police Remand Granted
All six accused have been placed on two-day police remand.
Investigators are analysing:
- SIM card records
- Banking transactions
- Mobile phone data
- Digital communications
- Financial transfers
- Identity documents
The objective is to determine the total amount allegedly routed through the network and identify additional individuals who may have participated in the operation.
Investigation Continues
The Gurugram Cyber Police continue to investigate the alleged Dubai connection, financial trail and the role of each accused.
Authorities are examining whether the network supplied bank accounts to multiple organised cyber fraud groups operating across India.
The allegations remain under investigation, and the guilt or liability of the accused will be determined through the judicial process based on the evidence presented before the competent court.
Shunyatax Global Insight
Modern cyber fraud networks often rely on layers of intermediaries rather than directly stealing money from victims. Fake firms, rented offices, mule bank accounts and commission-based account suppliers are increasingly used to disguise the ultimate beneficiaries of fraudulent transactions.
Banks, fintech companies and businesses should strengthen customer due diligence, continuously monitor unusual account activity and verify the commercial purpose of newly opened accounts. Individuals should never transfer money to investment platforms without independently verifying the entity's regulatory status and should treat requests for additional payments before withdrawals as a significant warning sign.