The Cyber Police Station of Delhi's Central District has dismantled a sophisticated online investment fraud network, arresting three accused individuals from Haryana and Rajasthan for allegedly cheating a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) employee of ₹15,74,452 through a work-from-home task-based scam operated via WhatsApp and Telegram. The arrests were made between 7 June and 9 June 2025, following a complaint registered on 14 July 2025.

How the Scam Worked

The victim, a government employee with DRDO residing in New Delhi, was first contacted on WhatsApp by individuals claiming to represent a work-from-home company dealing in property rental ratings and leasing tasks. He was subsequently added to a Telegram group, where he received training and was instructed to register on multiple websites.

Initially, the fraudsters paid out small profits after the victim completed assigned tasks and deposited money — a classic trust-building tactic. Once confidence was established, they introduced schemes labelled 'charter leases', 'bonus tasks', and other high-return investment opportunities, persuading the victim to transfer progressively larger sums.

When the complainant attempted to withdraw the balance shown in his online account, the accused demanded an additional payment equivalent to 50 per cent of the displayed balance as a so-called 'withdrawal penalty'. By this point, he had already transferred approximately ₹15,74,452. No withdrawal was ever permitted and none of the money was returned.

The Accused and Their Roles

Police identified the three arrested individuals as:

Parikshit, a student from Hisar, Haryana, who served as the first-layer account holder, directly receiving fraud proceeds into his account. Sandeep Sain, a barber from Karnal, Haryana, acted as the second-layer account holder, transferring the fraudulently obtained funds further through the network. Sachin Jhakkar, a student from Sikar, Rajasthan, allegedly supplied bank accounts to associates for routing and dispersing the cheated amount.

During the operation, police recovered three mobile phones allegedly used in the commission of the crime.

Investigation and Arrests

Following the registration of e-FIR No. 00005/2025 at the Cyber Police Station, Central District, a dedicated team was constituted under SHO Inspector Yograj Dalal and ACP Operations Padam Singh Rana, comprising Sub Inspector Kapil, Head Constable Manoj, HC Sunil, and Constable Anuj.

The team conducted extensive technical surveillance, analysed digital evidence, traced financial transaction trails, and carried out field enquiries. An initial raid in Hisar on 5 June failed to locate Parikshit. Acting on technical inputs, investigators then moved to Salwan village, Karnal, where Sandeep Sain was arrested on 7 June. Disclosures from Sain led the team to Bannu Enclave, Pitampura, Delhi, where Sachin Jhakkar was arrested on 8 June. Parikshit was finally traced and arrested on 9 June.

Police Advisory to the Public

Delhi Police have urged citizens to remain cautious of unsolicited work-from-home offers received via WhatsApp, Telegram, and other social media platforms that promise high returns for simple tasks. The public has been advised never to transfer money to unknown individuals or online platforms on assurances of guaranteed profits, and to verify the authenticity of any investment opportunity before making payments.

Victims of cyber fraud are advised to immediately report incidents through the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930), the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, or the nearest police station. Investigators say the probe is ongoing to identify and apprehend remaining members of the fraud syndicate.