Hyderabad Police Crackdown on ₹1.46 Crore Matrimony and Investment Fraud Scam

Post Views: 17

Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police arrested four accused in a ₹1.46 crore matrimony-investment scam.

Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police Arrest Four in ₹1.46 Crore Scam

The Cyber Crime Unit of the Hyderabad City Police has busted an organised cyber fraud racket involving a ₹1.46 crore matrimony-cum-investment scam and arrested four accused. Investigators said the suspects allegedly used mule bank accounts to withdraw fraud proceeds before routing the money through hawala channels to Singapore-based cybercriminals. Police believe the operation may be part of a larger interstate and international cyber fraud network.

The Scam Unveiled

The case came to light after a victim lodged a complaint with the Cyber Crime Police on February 13, 2026, alleging that he had been cheated through a matrimony platform. According to the complaint, a woman contacted him through a matrimonial website, developed a relationship by promising marriage, and later persuaded him to invest in a purported high-return investment platform.

The Victim’s Experience

To gain the victim’s confidence, the fraudsters allegedly displayed fabricated profits on the platform before convincing him to transfer a total of ₹46.65 lakh into multiple bank accounts. When the victim later attempted to withdraw his investment, he was allegedly asked to pay additional charges and taxes. After refusing to make further payments, he found his account blocked and realised he had been defrauded, following which he approached the police.

Investigation Details

During the investigation, cyber investigators traced the movement of the funds and found that the stolen money had passed through multiple mule bank accounts operated across Maharashtra and Telangana. Officials said that around ₹35 lakh of the defrauded amount was routed through accounts maintained with a public sector bank. Detailed analysis of banking records, digital transactions, and technical evidence ultimately led investigators to the accused.

Roles of the Accused

According to the investigation, Chokkala Sampath allegedly managed mule accounts under the instructions of an absconding handler and ensured the smooth transfer of funds in exchange for a commission of nearly 30 percent. Hechu Naresh allegedly helped open mule accounts and facilitated cash withdrawals, receiving around 15 percent commission. Endla Suresh and Vadkala Mahesh also allegedly assisted in opening and operating fraudulent accounts and were paid commissions of approximately 10 percent each.

Expert Insights

Renowned cyber crime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said romance- and matrimony-based investment scams rely heavily on social engineering, with criminals first building emotional trust before persuading victims to invest substantial sums. He advised the public never to invest based solely on recommendations from people met online and to use only regulated and authorised investment platforms.

Police Advice

Police have urged citizens to remain cautious when interacting with strangers on matrimonial websites, Telegram, Instagram, and other social media platforms. They advised people not to trust unsolicited investment offers promising unusually high or guaranteed returns and to avoid transferring money into personal bank accounts without proper verification.