Pune Scam News: A senior citizen from Dighi, Pune was allegedly cheated of over ₹1.09 crore in a sophisticated online stock market scam. The Pimpri-Chinchwad Cyber Police have arrested two suspects from Ahmedabad, Gujarat in connection with the case.
The accused have been identified as Bhaumik Bharatbhai Patel (29) and Akash Popatbhai Radadiya (24), both residents of Ahmedabad. According to the police, the fraud began when the victim was approached on Facebook by an unknown individual who lured him into an online trading group via a WhatsApp link.
The victim was persuaded to download apps named “Block Trade” and “IPO” under the pretense of investing in stock and share markets with promises of high returns. Over time, the fraudsters gained his trust and encouraged large investments. Fake electronic statements were generated to show substantial profits, further convincing the victim to invest more.
When the senior citizen attempted to withdraw the invested amount, the accused demanded additional payments in the name of brokerage fees, high transaction charges, security deposits, and third-party withdrawal platform fees. In total, the fraudsters extracted ₹1,09,47,400 from the victim under false pretenses.
After a case was registered with the Cyber Police Station, investigators tracked one of the bank accounts used in the fraud to Ahmedabad. Acting swiftly, a team was dispatched, and both suspects were arrested. During interrogation, the duo revealed they worked in coordination with a third associate named Dilip, believed to be operating from Nepal and linked to an international cybercrime network.
It was also found that the bank accounts used in the fraud have multiple complaints registered against them. The accused allegedly used “Angadiya” services to transfer the stolen funds, further complicating the financial trail.
The operation was led under the guidance of Commissioner of Police Vinay Kumar Choubey, Joint Commissioner Dr. Shashikant Mahavarkar, Additional Commissioner Vasant Pardeshi, and DCP Swapna Gore. The investigation team included Senior Inspector Ravikiran Nale, Assistant Inspector Praveen Swami, PSI Vaibhav Patil, and several other officers and constables from the cyber crime unit.
Authorities are now investigating deeper links to cross-border cybercrime activities and have issued alerts regarding the fraudulent trading platforms involved. Citizens are urged to remain cautious while engaging in online investment schemes, especially those promising unusually high returns.