Pune Cyber Fraud: Man arrested in Rs 2,52,96,406 fraud case with links to cyber gangs in Pakistan And Dubai
Pune Cyber Fraud: Man arrested in Rs 2,52,96,406 fraud case with links to cyber gangs in Pakistan And Dubai
Pune – Pimpri Chinchwad Police have arrested a man in connection with a massive ₹2.52 crore cyber fraud case, uncovering an international racket with links to Pakistan, Dubai, and Nepal. The accused, identified as Balasaheb Sakharam Choure (32), a resident of Jivachi Wadi in Kej taluka of Beed district, was taken into custody on March 26.
According to police officials, Choure, who operates a medical shop, was involved in facilitating cyber fraud by providing access to multiple bank accounts used to dupe victims. One such case involved a senior citizen from Sangvi, who lost ₹2,52,96,406 through several online transactions after being manipulated into investing in a fake online stock trading platform.
Victim Tricked Through Fake Trading App
The cybercriminals added the victim to WhatsApp groups offering stock market tips and lured him into downloading a fraudulent trading app. The app displayed fake, high returns to bait the victim. However, when he attempted to withdraw his supposed earnings, he was asked to pay additional amounts as brokerage fees, security deposits, and other charges.
The victim followed instructions from the fraudsters and transferred over ₹2.5 crore into various bank accounts. A probe was launched after an FIR was filed on March 24, 2025, under cybercrime laws.
Multi-State, International Nexus Uncovered
A team of investigators led by Assistant Inspector Pravin Swami, along with Sub Inspectors Vidya Patil, Sagar Poman, and Vaibhav Patil, traced the money trail to multiple accounts. Choure was arrested after police discovered one such account linked to him, which he had initially claimed was opened for a “gaming fund”.
Further investigation revealed that Choure had recently visited Dubai and was allegedly working with Ganesh Kale, an Indian national wanted in multiple cybercrime cases, and a Pakistani citizen based in Dubai. According to a press release from Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sandeep Doifode, Choure provided mule bank accounts to the international syndicate on a commission basis.
Crypto Profits and Mule Accounts
Police said that with assistance from a Nepal-based racketeer, Choure helped operate several accounts used to funnel scam proceeds. In exchange, he received profits in the form of USDT cryptocurrency, a digital currency often used in illegal transactions due to its untraceable nature.
“These accounts were used in cybercrimes registered across different parts of India,” said senior police inspector Ravikiran Nale, the investigating officer. “Choure’s phone had details of numerous bank accounts. He is currently lodged in Yerawada jail. The investigation is ongoing to track more operatives and digital assets.”
