Hyderabad: Cyber Crimes Police of Hyderabad arrested a 49-year-old businessman from Ludhiana, Punjab, in connection with a ₹1.23 crore online trading fraud. The accused, Sanjeev Kumar, operated as a bank account holder and facilitator in a nationwide scam targeting investors through WhatsApp and fake trading apps.
According to police, the fraud came to light after a 69-year-old Hyderabad priest lodged a complaint. The victim received unsolicited investment advice via WhatsApp in April and was added to a group where a man named “Raghav Sharma” posed as a trading advisor. He convinced the victim to install an app named IMPV PRO and begin investing.
Trading fraud in Hyderabad executed via app, fake profit screenshots
Police said the accused manipulated the victim by showing inflated returns and occasional withdrawals, thereby building trust. As the victim gained confidence, he transferred increasingly larger sums into the accounts linked to the accused. The fraudsters later pressured him for more money and refused to return profits, triggering suspicion.
Investigators confirmed that Sanjeev Kumar operated one of the key accounts used in the scam. The cybercrime team tracked his location to Ludhiana and arrested him on September 18. He is also named in five other fraud cases across India.
Cybercrime police seize mobile phones, cheque book, and company stamp
During the arrest, officers recovered two mobile phones, a cheque book, and a company stamp bearing the name “Sanjeev Trading Co.”. The team registered the case under Crime No. 1419/2025 at Cybercrime PS, Hyderabad, under Sections 66(C), 66(D) of the IT Act and Sections 111(2)(b), 318(4), 319(2), 336(3), 338, 340(2) of the BNS.
The operation was led by Inspector K. Satish Reddy, with the assistance of SI P. Suresh and police personnel Mallesh, Govinda Rao, Ch. Rajesh Kumar, Ramu, and Shiva Shankar, under the supervision of ACP R.G. Siva Maruthi.
Police advisory warns public on social media investment scams
Hyderabad Police warned the public against joining suspicious Telegram, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram groups offering guaranteed investment returns. They urged investors to use only SEBI-approved platforms and consult registered financial advisors. Victims were also cautioned against trusting fake profit screenshots or partial withdrawals.
