Hyderabad, April 25, 2026: In a multi-state cybercrime crackdown, the Cyberabad Cybercrime Police arrested 14 individuals linked to online financial frauds and detected nine cases between April 15 and April 24, 2026, exposing a growing network of AI-driven trading scams targeting retail investors.
Out of the total arrests, 11 individuals were directly linked to fraudulent trading operations, where victims were lured through fake investment platforms and social media advertisements. Authorities confirmed that over ₹1.14 crore has been recovered and refunded to victims through 375 court orders, indicating a structured legal response to cyber financial crimes.
The investigation uncovered a consistent modus operandi involving fake AI-powered trading applications and impersonation of established financial brands. Fraudsters used platforms such as Instagram to promote deceptive investment schemes, directing users to download apps like “Naka Solutions,” which falsely promised high returns through algorithmic trading.
In one of the largest cases, a single victim was defrauded of ₹1.88 crore after being convinced to invest via a fake trading platform promoted through social media ads. In another instance, three accused were arrested for orchestrating a ₹64.86 lakh stock market scam by operating fraudulent WhatsApp advisory groups that mimicked legitimate brokerage communication.
Officials noted that scammers frequently impersonated reputed firms, including “5 Paisa Capital,” to gain credibility and build trust among unsuspecting investors. Victims were often instructed to transfer funds into personal bank accounts under the pretext of trading investments—bypassing regulated financial systems.
Cybercrime authorities have issued a public advisory urging citizens to avoid acting on investment tips received through WhatsApp or Telegram groups and to verify all trading platforms with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) before investing.
