Rs.100 crore Whatsapp based cyber scam: Chinese man arrested in Delhi

In a major breakthrough, Delhi police arrested a Chinese national, Fang Chenjin, for his alleged involvement in a Rs.100 crore cyber fraud case. The scam, executed through online stock trading schemes, targeted individuals via WhatsApp groups.

The case came to light when one victim, Suresh Kolichiyil Achuthan, lodged a complaint on the cybercrime portal, reporting a loss of Rs.43.5 lakh. According to the police, the victim was lured into a fake stock market training session and persuaded to invest in bogus transactions. The stolen funds were then transferred to various bank accounts controlled by Chenjin.

Investigations revealed a significant lead: a bank account under the name "Maha Laxmi Traders" based in Mundka, Delhi, was linked to the fraudulent transactions. One such transfer amounted to Rs.1.25 lakh in April. Further probes uncovered a mobile phone used in the crime, which had incriminating WhatsApp chats between Chenjin and his associates.

The accused was residing in Safdarjung Enclave in Delhi. Chats revealed Chenjin instructing his aide to recharge the mobile number used for coordinating the scam. At least 17 complaints on the cybercrime portal were found to be linked to the same bank account, all pointing to a total fraud amount of Rs.100 crore.

Authorities stated that Chenjin is also connected to cybercrime and money laundering cases in Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. "The fraud involved duping individuals through WhatsApp-based stock trading schemes. Further investigation is underway to uncover his network and other potential crimes," said DCP Shahdara Prashant Gautam in an official statement.

This arrest underscores the growing challenge of tackling cyber frauds orchestrated through encrypted communication platforms. The Delhi Police emphasized the importance of public vigilance against scams promising high returns in online trading.