Woman loses Rs 31.6 lakh to cyber fraud in Godavarikhani, one held

KARIMNAGAR: Cyber-crime officials nabbed Mohammad Awaad, 21, a Zomato delivery boy, for aiding cyber criminals in defrauding residents of Godavarikhani.

DSP M. Venkataramana said that a complaint was filed by a woman from Sriramnagar Colony, who was deceived into depositing Rs 31.6 lakh under the guise of a part-time online job. Initially promised returns of Rs1,000 to Rs 2,000 for every Rs 10,000 deposited, the scammers convinced her that earning money was effortless. After her investment, the perpetrators ceased communication, prompting her to report the fraud.

Investigators, including inspectors J. Krishnamurthy and N. Srinivas, used advanced technology to trace the suspect to Sohail Restaurant in Malakpet, Hyderabad. During interrogation, Awaad confessed that he was instructed by one Ilyas to open three bank accounts and provide their details in exchange for a promised Rs 300 for every Rs 1 lakh deposited.

Further inquiries revealed that Ilyas operates from a foreign country, orchestrating online scams by luring innocent people with false employment opportunities. The police are continuing their investigation to identify and apprehend other involved parties.