• Source:JND
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Delhi: A gang inspired by the popular Netflix series Money Heist has been arrested by the Delhi Police for allegedly cheating hundreds of people across India through an elaborate online investment scam worth over Rs 150 crore.

The accused, Arpit, Prabhat Vajpayee and Abbas used fake identities based on characters from the crime thriller to carry out their fraudulent operations. Police said the gang also duped people of an additional Rs 23 crore through separate cyber scams.

According to investigators, the gang used social media platforms and WhatsApp groups to lure victims with fake investment schemes promising high returns in the stock market. Arpit, a lawyer, called himself “Professor”; Prabhat, a computer science postgraduate, took the name “Amanda”; and Abbas operated as “Freddy”. The aliases were inspired by Money Heist and helped the gang maintain anonymity.

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How The Scam Worked

The trio created multiple WhatsApp and social media groups that appeared legitimate and shared stock tips to attract investors. Initially, they offered small profits to gain trust. Once victims invested larger amounts, their accounts were either blocked or access was denied. Those who tried to withdraw money were allegedly intimidated into transferring more funds.

Police estimate that over 300 victims from various states fell prey to the scam. The accused frequently changed locations, staying in luxury hotels in cities like Noida and Siliguri, where they operated the racket using mobile phones and laptops.

Police Investigation And Seizures

Following a detailed investigation, Delhi Police carried out raids in Uttar Pradesh’s Noida and West Bengal’s Siliguri, leading to the arrest of the three men. Officers recovered 11 mobile phones, 17 SIM cards, 12 bank passbooks and chequebooks, 32 debit cards and several digital records of online transactions and WhatsApp chats.

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Possible Chinese Connection

Investigators found traces of the gang’s activities extending to Noida and Guwahati, with indications of involvement by Chinese nationals. Preliminary findings suggest that a Chinese cybercrime network could have supported the gang’s operations remotely.

Police said further investigation is underway to identify more members of the gang and trace their international links. The Delhi Police’s cyber unit is also analysing digital evidence to track the flow of money and uncover the full extent of the scam.

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