A complaint over a missing ₹799 kurti has led Delhi Police to an alleged cyberfraud network linked to transactions exceeding ₹30 crore. Investigators arrested seven people and identified multiple bank accounts allegedly used to route money connected to online fraud.
The investigation began after a Delhi University student reported losing ₹6,450 while attempting to buy clothing advertised on Instagram. The case highlights how seemingly small online shopping scams can reveal wider financial networks operating through digital payments and banking channels.
How Did the ₹799 Shopping Scam Begin?
According to the report, Fatima, a student at Ramjas College and a resident of Prayagraj, came across an Instagram advertisement posted by an account named Kavya_kurti_hub. She contacted the seller through WhatsApp and ordered a kurti advertised for ₹799, paying ₹400 in advance through a QR code.
The situation changed when she received a phone call from someone claiming that a passcode was required to deliver the parcel. The caller allegedly persuaded her to make additional payments, describing them as necessary charges for generating the code and processing refundable amounts.
Fatima subsequently transferred ₹1,150, ₹2,000, ₹2,650 and ₹650 in separate transactions. Neither the parcel nor the promised refund arrived, according to the complaint.
The incident prompted her to report the matter through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
How Did Police Trace the Alleged Fraud Network?
An FIR was registered at the Cyber Police Station in Delhi’s North District on September 4. Investigators then examined digital and financial records to identify the people and accounts connected to the transactions.
According to the supplied report, police analysed nearly 200 mobile numbers, IMEI details, banking transactions and information obtained from service providers, including Flipkart, Zomato and Blue Dart.
The financial trail reportedly led investigators through Pine Labs Merchant to a Canara Bank account associated with Kizentech Solutions Pvt. Ltd., based in Greater Noida.
The inquiry subsequently expanded beyond the original shopping complaint, with investigators linking the suspected network to additional cyberfraud reports from different states.
Who Was Arrested?
Delhi Police conducted coordinated raids in Greater Noida on October 16, arresting six people:
Aditya Mishra
Ayush Verma
Abhishek Pal
Himanshu Rana
Rahul Kumar
Gaurav Pandey
A seventh accused, Udit Pratap Singh Bhadauriya, was arrested in Kanpur on October 21.
The operation was reportedly led by Sub-Inspector Arvind Yadav under the supervision of senior North District police officers. The investigation is continuing to establish the alleged roles of those arrested and identify any additional individuals connected to the network.
The arrests represent investigative developments; the allegations against the accused remain subject to the legal process.
How Were Bank Accounts Allegedly Used?
Investigators identified approximately 25 bank accounts that were allegedly opened under fictitious firms and individuals to move money linked to fraudulent activities.
Police reportedly found that businesses were established and current accounts opened before being supplied to other members of the suspected syndicate. In exchange, those providing the accounts allegedly received monthly payments and commissions.
Gaurav Pandey, described in the report as an MBA graduate, allegedly played a significant role in arranging bank accounts.
The suspected use of multiple accounts and business identities illustrates the importance of tracing financial transactions across institutions when investigating online fraud. Reviewing transaction records, identifying suspicious payment flows and examining supporting documentation can form part of broader financial investigation work.
What Did Police Recover?
During the investigation, police reportedly linked 27 cyberfraud complaints from different states to the suspected network.
The items recovered included:
20 mobile phones and 45 SIM cards
39 point-of-sale (POS) machines
33 debit cards and 28 cheque books
15 scanners and two laptops
Identity documents, banking records and other related materials
Investigators are expected to examine the seized devices and documents to establish the extent of the alleged operation and determine whether further accounts, transactions or complaints are connected to the case.
What Does the Case Reveal About Online Shopping Fraud?
The investigation demonstrates how an apparently routine online purchase can expose consumers to payment fraud. Fraudsters may use social media advertisements to attract buyers, move conversations to messaging platforms and request additional payments under misleading explanations.
The reported case also points to the potential role of bank accounts, payment infrastructure and business entities in moving proceeds from suspected cybercrime. Tracing these connections can help investigators identify patterns that are not immediately visible from an individual complaint.
Consumers should verify sellers before making payments, remain cautious when asked to pay unexpected delivery or processing charges, and avoid sharing sensitive authentication details with unknown callers. Anyone who suspects online financial fraud should report it promptly through official cybercrime reporting channels and preserve relevant transaction records and communications.
The investigation remains ongoing. According to the supplied report, police are working to identify additional members and determine whether the network is connected to other cyberfraud cases.