Accused Lured Victim with Cryptocurrency Scam, Issued Death Threats
Pune: A Jaipur-based doctor has been arrested for allegedly defrauding a renowned Pune-based dermatologist and his friend of ₹1.71 crore under the pretext of cryptocurrency investments. The Chatushrungi police took the accused into custody on Friday and presented him before a magisterial court, which remanded him to judicial custody till April 2.
How the Fraud Unfolded
The 54-year-old dermatologist, who runs a skin clinic in Baner and holds six registered patents, first met the accused in 2019 through a mutual friend from SMS Medical College, Jaipur. Over time, they built a close friendship, and the accused frequently visited Pune for skin-tightening and anti-ageing treatments.
In August 2022, the Jaipur doctor convinced the complainant to invest ₹10 lakh in cryptocurrency, later claiming the amount had grown to ₹25 lakh. Trusting his friend, the dermatologist and his acquaintance invested a total of ₹1.71 crore between 2022 and 2024.
However, when the complainant presented a ₹2 lakh medical bill for the treatments provided, the accused refused to pay, claiming he had reinvested the money in cryptocurrency and would return a larger sum later. When the victim demanded repayment, the accused allegedly turned aggressive, issued death threats, and verbally abused him.
Criminal Background & Ongoing Investigation
According to police sources, the accused already has multiple extortion and rape cases pending in Jaipur. Investigators are now analyzing his financial transactions and digital records to determine if more individuals have been defrauded using the same scam.
Police have urged the public to exercise caution before investing in cryptocurrency and to thoroughly verify investment schemes before committing large sums.
