CHENNAI: The Central Crime Branch (CCB) Cyber Crime Wing of the Greater Chennai Police has arrested four individuals, including two women, in connection with a sophisticated online investment fraud that cheated a Chennai resident of Rs 3.4 crore. One mobile phone used in the crime has been seized.
The case originated from a complaint filed by Satyanathan (68), a resident of Adyar, Chennai. The victim stated that in July 2025, he was added to a WhatsApp group by individuals posing as officials of a trading firm in Bangalore. Through discussions on professional trading and investments, they gained his trust and persuaded him to download a particular mobile application.
Acting on the fraudsters' instructions, Satyanathan transferred a total of Rs 3.4 crore from his Axis Bank account to 13 different bank accounts provided by them between July 7 and July 25, 2025. Subsequently, when he requested a return of his funds, the mobile app was deactivated and became inaccessible. Realizing he had been duped, the victim filed a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
Based on his complaint, a case was registered by the CCB Cyber Crime Wing on October 7, 2025. Following swift investigation by a special team led by an Inspector arrested the first accused, Balasubramanian (51) from Thanjavur, on November 22, 2025.
The police team later apprehended three more accused who were absconding on December 24, 2025. They have been identified as Murugesh (49) from Melur, Thootukudi district, EPC (35) from Sankarperi, Thoothukudi district, and Panchavarnam (33) from Tiruchendur. One mobile phone used for the criminal activity was seized from them.
Investigation revealed that the main accused, through intermediaries, approached Efsi and Panchavarnam—who are part of women's self-help groups—offering commission in exchange for providing bank accounts. The duo provided several bank accounts, including one belonging to co-accused Murugesh. An amount of Rs 6,00,790 from the victim was transferred to Murugesh's account, who then withdrew it via cheque and handed it over to the intermediary after deducting his commission. In this manner, about Rs 45 lakh was laundered through five such bank accounts.
All four arrested accused were produced before a court on December 25, 2025, and have been remanded to judicial custody.
POLICE ADVISORY:
The Chennai Police have issued a stern advisory warning the public against online trading and investment schemes promising guaranteed high returns, fake trading apps, and unverified WhatsApp groups. The police specifically cautioned that individuals exploiting economic vulnerability by offering commissions in exchange for bank account details are committing a crime.
The public is advised that if they fall victim to any online fraud or cybercrime, they should immediately report it on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) or call the helpline at 1930. They can also approach their nearest Cyber Crime police station for assistance.