Kochi Cyber Police Make First Arrest in ₹25-Crore Fraud Case

Rapid Summary:

• A Kochi-based pharmaceutical businessman was allegedly defrauded of ₹24.76 crore through a cyber scam linked to online stock trading.
• The Kochi Cyber police arrested Sujitha G., a native of Kollam, on Tuesday for her alleged role in laundering the stolen money.
• This is reportedly the largest cyber fraud recorded in Kerala by monetary volume. It involved around 90 transactions across more than 20 bank accounts over two years (March 2023 – August 2025).
• One bank account in Palarivattom was opened in Sujitha’s name, and authorities found that she helped transfer funds abroad while earning commissions for her actions.
• The victim was deceived by fraudsters promising high returns via phone and chat, convincing him to invest through a website that displayed false returns but blocked withdrawals later.
• Police registered an FIR on September 1, 2025 under Sections 418(4) (cheating) and 406(2) (criminal breach of trust) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The arrest marks a notable milestone in tackling one of Kerala’s most substantial cyber fraud cases involving such large sums. As digital financial platforms increasingly gain traction among investors, this case highlights critical vulnerabilities both at individual and systemic levels.

While the promise of lucrative returns enticed the victim into continued investments, it underscores the need for greater public awareness about online scams. Regulatory bodies may also need to address loopholes related to international money transfers facilitated by complicit actors.

On law enforcement’s part, tracking nearly two years’ worth of financial transactions across dispersed accounts demonstrates diligent investigative effort. However, unraveling complex cross-border links will likely demand further resources and coordination with international agencies.

As digital investment grows nationwide, addressing such cases could serve as a precedent for authorities handling similar situations elsewhere-an important consideration given India’s rising reliance on fintech services combined with evolving cybercrime tactics.

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