Dehradun Resident Falls Victim to Fake International Trading Certification Scam

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A complex financial identity theft scheme has compromised the security of a resident in Uttarakhand.

The Scheme

Cybercriminals leveraged a fraudulent international business certification initiative to gain unauthorized access to digital systems and redirect over ₹2 crore through the victim’s banking account. A detailed investigation revealed that the fraud was executed through a structured financial deception involving false assurances of business opportunities in trade and export sectors.

Perpetrators and Initial Contact

The perpetrator, identified as Lavi Chaudhary from Mandakini Vihar, Kandoli, was initially approached by an individual named Sudhir Kumar Malik, who connected him to Daya Krishna Chandra Paneru. The accused purportedly offered to facilitate a business venture involving baby care products, toys, and stock trading by securing an international trading certification.

Initial Payments

The victim was required to make an initial payment of approximately ₹18,000 via a payment gateway and an additional ₹20,000 in cash. These transactions were designed to establish credibility and encourage further participation in the scheme.

Fraud Execution

Subsequent steps involved the seizure of the victim’s SIM card, bank account cheque book, debit card, identification documents, and login credentials during a meeting in Noida in May 2025. The accused also directed the victim to reroute mobile call forwarding to an alternate number, effectively isolating him from real-time banking alerts.

Investigation and Aftermath

Once in control of the victim’s financial systems, the perpetrators initiated unauthorized transactions totaling ₹2,09,29,000 without the victim’s knowledge. The fraud came to light when the victim was contacted by officials from the Indore cyber cell in Madhya Pradesh regarding suspicious activity linked to his account. Attempts to contact the accused proved unsuccessful, as their communication devices were disconnected. Further inquiries indicated that the accused had abandoned their residence in Haldwani, raising concerns about a coordinated escape.

Victim’s Distress and Legal Action

The victim reported significant financial and emotional distress, compounded by the blocking of his banking instruments following the misuse. A First Information Report (FIR) was filed under court supervision, and investigators are examining whether the accused are part of an interstate network engaged in similar cyber fraud operations.

Public Advisories and Ongoing Efforts

Preliminary findings suggest that comparable tactics have been employed in other cases involving fake certifications and investment propositions. Authorities are collaborating with cyber units across multiple states to trace the accused, analyze financial transactions, and identify potential money laundering pathways. Public advisories emphasize vigilance against unsolicited offers related to trading certifications, high-yield investment schemes, and digital business opportunities that require sharing banking details or personal data. The case remains under active investigation, with ongoing forensic analysis of digital evidence expected to yield further insights.