How an IIT-trained hacker ran a Rs 5 crore WhatsApp scam with help from a Chinese handler

Delhi Police have arrested five men, including a certified ethical hacker from IIT, in connection with a cybercrime racket linked to a Cambodia-based network operated by Chinese handlers. The accused allegedly ran a fake investment scheme, defrauding victims of over Rs 5 crore. Their arrests followed a complaint filed by a Delhi resident who lost ₹32 lakh in the scam, a TOI report stated.

Fraud exposed after victim loses Rs 32 lakh

The case came to light when a resident of Karawal Nagar approached the Northeast Delhi Cyber Crime Unit, claiming he had been cheated of Rs 32 lakh in a stock market investment scam. Following the complaint, police traced suspicious bank transactions, which led them to the accused. Raids were conducted in Delhi, Aligarh, Udham Singh Nagar (Uttarakhand), Basti, and Kanpur.

Those arrested and their roles

The accused were identified as Girish Pandey (31), an ethical hacker with an IIT certificate; Avinash Kumar (34), a physics graduate; Suraj Chaudhary (26); Vicky Bora (27); and Makkhan (32). Police said the group was part of a larger international cybercrime module.

Special commissioner Ravindra Yadav confirmed the arrests and said further investigations were ongoing to trace other members of the network.

Modus operandi of the racket

Police said the group added potential victims to fake advisory groups on chat platforms like WhatsApp. They would convince victims to invest in stocks and IPOs through a fraudulent platform. Initially, fake profits were shown to gain trust. When victims asked to withdraw their money, their accounts were frozen on the pretext of “penalties,” forcing them to invest more.

Funds were collected through fake companies, cooperative banks, offline RTGS, and cryptocurrency, including USDT.

Key links to Cambodia and China

“The investigation revealed international connections, with Chinese operators and Cambodian associates involved in the transactions,” said a senior police officer.

According to police:

“Chaudhary provided an IDFC bank account to Bora for a 10% commission.”

“Bora was the mastermind linked to Chinese operator ‘Nio’ and coordinating with a Cambodian network.”

“Pandey was involved in money laundering through a fake company, Travelese Bird Technology Pvt Ltd.”

“Kumar was a partner in transactions worth ₹9 lakh.”

“Makkhan was an intermediary between shell account holders in India and Cambodia.”

Police seized two mobile phones, bank records, and digital evidence during the raids. A money trail of over ₹5 crore has been uncovered.