Fake Matrimonial Profile Used to Trap Surat Man in Bogus Forex Investment Scheme
A doctor is among five people arrested in connection with a Rs 2.30 crore cyber fraud in which a Surat-based man was allegedly duped through a fake matrimonial profile and persuaded to invest in a fraudulent forex trading scheme. Investigators said the probe has exposed an interstate and cross-border cyber fraud network with links extending from Gujarat to Nepal.
According to investigators, the accused allegedly created a fake matrimonial profile to befriend the victim before convincing him to invest in a fake forex trading platform. The fraudsters initially displayed fabricated profits to gain the victim’s confidence and later persuaded him to invest significantly larger amounts.
Fake ‘Jigyasa Kapoor’ Profile and Forex Trading Scam
Speaking to Bhaskar English, SP Dr. Rajdeepsinh Jhala of the State Cyber Centre of Excellence said the accused created a fake profile under the name “Jigyasa Kapoor” on a matrimonial website. The victim was later contacted through the “Dilsafar” application and encouraged to make an initial investment of Rs 50,000 in forex trading.
According to the officer, after showing fake profits, the accused convinced the victim to invest additional funds through the RoboForex platform, making him believe that his investments were generating substantial returns.
Victim Allegedly Lost Rs 2.30 Crore
Police said the victim eventually transferred Rs 2.30 crore into multiple bank accounts allegedly controlled by the accused. The fraudsters later claimed that the victim’s investment account had been locked and demanded further payments to unlock the funds.
When the victim suspected that he had been cheated, he approached the police and lodged a formal complaint, leading to a detailed cyber crime investigation.
Fake Firm and Multiple Bank Accounts Used to Route Fraud Money
During the investigation, police discovered that the accused had allegedly created a fake company named “R.P. Chemicals” to facilitate the movement of fraudulent funds. Several bank accounts were opened in the names of different individuals and allegedly used to receive and transfer money obtained through cyber fraud.
Investigators found that one of these bank accounts was linked to 31 cyber fraud complaints registered across India and had processed transactions worth nearly Rs 15 crore. Officials further stated that cyber frauds amounting to more than Rs 3.15 crore have been directly linked to the ongoing investigation.
Doctor’s Alleged Role Under Investigation
Police arrested five accused, including a doctor who operates a clinic in Upleta, Gujarat. According to investigators, the first accused opened the bank account in the name of R.P. Chemicals and handed over the account kit to another accused in return for a commission.
The investigation further revealed that the second accused allegedly contacted the doctor, which helped expand the network and establish links with individuals based in Delhi. Authorities are continuing to investigate the doctor’s exact role in the alleged conspiracy.
Probe Reveals Nepal Connection
Investigators said the network extended beyond India after one of the accused coordinated with another associate who allegedly facilitated sending bank account kits to Nepal. These accounts were reportedly used to receive and route money obtained through cyber fraud, indicating the existence of a wider cross-border financial fraud network.
Police seized seven mobile phones, an Aadhaar card and a bank passbook during the operation. The arrests were made by the State Cyber Centre of Excellence, and further investigation is underway to identify additional beneficiaries and trace the complete money trail.
