Pune Doctor Loses Rs 12.31 Cr in Online Trading Scam

A 75-year-old doctor from Pune has fallen victim to an online share trading scam, losing a staggering Rs 12.31 crore. The incident began in late January when the doctor received a message with recommended stocks and a link. This led to his inclusion in a WhatsApp group where administrators claimed to be senior executives of a prominent global financial management firm.

The group was used to build credibility, with members allegedly posting about substantial profits. The doctor was then directed to a fraudulent trading application that mimicked a reputable international firm. He was instructed to transfer funds to multiple bank accounts, with these transfers appearing as investments on the fake platform, which also displayed fabricated profits.

Between March 7 and March 18, the victim made eight transactions totaling Rs 12.31 crore. When he showed reluctance to invest further, the accused resorted to threats of seizing his properties, compelling him to continue transferring money. The application later showed notional returns of Rs 54 crore, but attempts to withdraw funds were met with further threats, leading the doctor to realize he had been defrauded.

Based on the doctor's complaint, an FIR has been registered with the cyber police station. An investigation is underway to trace the perpetrators and recover the lost funds.