Bhubaneswar, Oct 30: The Odisha Crime Branch has uncovered a massive fake investment racket, arresting 24 individuals involved in the scam. According to a press release issued on Wednesday, cyber fraudsters defrauded unsuspecting victims of ₹6.28 crore by luring them through a fake WhatsApp group named ‘Kotak Investment Club.’

Victims were invited to invest in schemes through the group, but once they transferred the money, they were removed from the group, and the fraudsters withdrew the funds. The swindled amount was funneled through over 100 bank accounts, making it challenging to trace.

Following complaints, the Crime Branch deployed seven special teams to pursue the inter-state fraud network. The investigation led to the arrest of nine accused from Tamil Nadu, eight from Gujarat, and seven from Rajasthan.

Crime Branch ADG Vinaytosh Mishra stated that those arrested were "foot soldiers" of the operation. The group's kingpin siphoned off the money and distributed commissions to the accomplices. With further investigation ongoing, the authorities aim to dismantle the entire operation.

Powered by Froala Editor