Hyderabad: Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police uncovered a matrimony investment fraud worth ₹1.46 crore and arrested four accused for allegedly facilitating the transfer of cheated money through mule bank accounts. Investigators said the accused helped route the funds to cyber fraudsters operating overseas.
Police identified the arrested accused as Chokkala Sampath of Siddipet, Hechu Naresh of Secunderabad, Endla Suresh and Vadkala Mahesh.
According to investigators, the victim came into contact with fraudsters through a fake profile on the Sangam Matrimony platform. The suspects allegedly posed as a woman, developed a relationship with the victim and promised marriage before persuading him to invest in a bogus investment platform with assurances of high returns.
Matrimony investment fraud used mule accounts
Believing the claims, the victim transferred ₹46.65 lakh to multiple bank accounts. When he later tried to withdraw the money, the fraudsters allegedly demanded additional payments and eventually blocked his access, prompting him to approach the police.
Cyber Crime Police registered a case and traced the money trail to mule bank accounts in Telangana and Maharashtra. Investigators found that ₹35 lakh passed through accounts in Indian Overseas Bank before reaching Singapore-based cyber fraudsters through alleged hawala channels.
Furthermore, police said the accused opened and operated mule accounts, withdrew funds and transferred the proceeds on behalf of higher-level handlers. Officers also seized one mobile phone during the operation.
Matrimony investment fraud prompts public advisory
The investigation took place under the supervision of ACP Siva Maruthi. Inspector K.M. Raghavendra and the Cyber Crime Police team arrested the accused with the support of other officers.
Meanwhile, police advised the public not to trust unknown individuals on social media, matrimonial platforms or messaging applications offering marriage proposals, investment opportunities or task-based earnings. They urged citizens to verify such claims before transferring money.