The Cyber Crime Unit of Hyderabad City Police has dismantled a Rs 1.46 crore matrimony-cum-investment fraud scheme by apprehending four individuals. These suspects used multiple bank accounts to siphon off money and transferred the illicit funds to cyber fraudsters in Singapore through Hawala networks. The arrested persons include Chokkala Sampath, Hechu Naresh, Endla Suresh, and Vadkala Mahesh, all hailing from different areas in Hyderabad.
On February 13, 2026, the Cyber Crime Police acted on a complaint about a matrimony-cum-investment fraud. The culprits posed as a woman on the Sangam Matrimony platform, built a false relationship to gain trust, and then persuaded the victim to invest in a sham platform promising lucrative returns. V. Arvind Babu, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Cyber Crimes, explained that after showcasing fake profits, the fraudsters convinced the victim to transfer Rs 46.65 lakh to various bank accounts.
Further investigations uncovered that the fraudulent money trail involved mule bank accounts scattered across Maharashtra and Telangana, including accounts held at Indian Overseas Bank, through which Rs 35 lakh of the embezzled sum was funneled. Sampath, following directives from an absconding handler, managed the mule accounts, ensuring seamless fund transfers and receiving a 30% commission. Naresh, an account holder, aided in setting up mule accounts for illicit activities, facilitating fund withdrawals and earning a 15% commission on deposits. Suresh and Mahesh also played roles in establishing mule accounts and each received a 10% commission.
Authorities have issued a warning against trusting unknown individuals on social media platforms like Matrimonial, Telegram, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook, who offer investment opportunities in stock markets and trading, promising high returns and task-oriented investment schemes.
