MBVV Police Crack International Cyber Fraud Racket Duping Indians of ₹200 Crore via Matrimonial Websites The accused allegedly targeted victims through matrimonial websites and social media, gaining their trust before luring them into fake forex and gold-trading schemes promising unusually high returns. Mumbai | Undercover Editor News Channel In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, the Mira-Bhayandar–Vasai-Virar (MBVV) Police have dismantled an international cyber fraud syndicate that allegedly duped citizens across India of more than ₹200 crore by exploiting matrimonial websites and social media platforms. The operation was carried out by the Crime Detection Branch (CDB), Cell-4, following confidential intelligence inputs. Acting swiftly, police raided Shivsai Residency Lodging and Boarding on the Ahmedabad Highway near Vasai, leading to the arrest of seven accused involved in the elaborate online scam. How the scam worked According to investigators, the accused first approached victims through popular matrimonial portals and social networking sites, presenting themselves as well-educated, financially successful individuals seeking relationships. Over time, they built emotional trust before introducing victims to supposedly “high-return” online forex and gold-trading investments. Victims were redirected to fake trading websites, where initial small profits were shown to create confidence. Once trust was established, the victims were persuaded to invest larger sums. Eventually, the funds were siphoned off through multiple bank accounts, leaving victims with massive financial losses—often wiping out their life savings. Interstate and international links Police revealed that the racket has links to at least 51 cybercrime cases registered across several states, including Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, West Bengal, Goa, and Chandigarh. Investigations further indicate that the operation was being controlled from outside India, using mule bank accounts, encrypted communication platforms, and fake digital identities to evade law-enforcement agencies. Legal action and arrests The case was initially registered at Naigaon Police Station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 66(c) and 66(d) of the Information Technology Act. Given the scale and complexity of the crime, the investigation was transferred to the CDB, Cell-4, on the orders of the MBVV Police Commissioner. The arrested accused have been identified as: All accused are currently in judicial custody. Police warning to citizens Senior crime branch officials have urged citizens to remain cautious while interacting with unknown individuals online, especially those promoting investment opportunities promising unrealistically high returns. “Cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting emotional connections and digital trust. People must verify platforms and avoid transferring money based on online persuasion,” a senior officer stated. Further investigation is ongoing to identify additional suspects, trace the money trail, and coordinate with international agencies.