State CID Busts Cyber Fraud Racket Using Fake “5paisa Capital” Ad; Key Accused Linked to Movie Industry
Kolkata – In a disturbing case of cyber fraud, a Barasat-based doctor lost ₹36 lakh after falling prey to a fake investment scheme promoted through a Facebook advertisement. The West Bengal CID’s Cyber Cell has arrested a 34-year-old movie producer, identified as Prosenjit Ranjan Nath, who allegedly masterminded the scam.
The scam began when the doctor came across a Facebook ad for an investment platform falsely branded as “5paisa Capital.” On clicking the ad, he was redirected to a WhatsApp group that appeared to offer stock investment advice and tutorials. Over the next two months, lured by promises of high returns, the victim made ten separate transactions totaling ₹36 lakh — none of which yielded any return or refund.
“The victim genuinely believed he was investing in a legitimate platform,” said a senior officer from the CID’s cyber unit.
Film Producer Turned Fraud Accused
During the probe, police traced ₹18 lakh of the defrauded amount to a company named ‘The Local Brand Shop,’ which led investigators to Prosenjit Ranjan Nath. Nath, who has produced several films, was arrested from his apartment in Madurdaha, near Anandapur, along the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass.
Authorities suspect that Nath acted as the key beneficiary in the cyber fraud and are currently probing his financial transactions and digital communications to identify additional accomplices and victims.
“We’re examining all bank accounts linked to the accused and the company to detect if other fraudulent transactions were routed through them,” a CID officer added.
Caution Against Social Media Investment Traps
Police officials have urged citizens to remain extremely cautious when approached for financial dealings through social media advertisements, warning that most platforms do not vet ad content, making them a breeding ground for online scams.
“Social media has no checking mechanism. Anyone who pays for ad space can publish content — including fraudulent schemes,” a senior officer told The Telegraph. “Always verify the authenticity of investment platforms and avoid sharing personal financial data based on online ads.”
This case highlights the growing sophistication of cyber scams and the need for public awareness and stricter digital ad regulations to protect unsuspecting users from financial fraud.
