Pune Rs 2.5 crore fraud: Man linked to cyber racketeers from Pakistan, Dubai, Nepal held

Police said Choure was arrested on March 26, in connection with a cyber fraud, in which a senior citizen residing in Sangvi was duped of Rs 2.52 crore, after being lured into investing money in online share trading business. An FIR in this case was lodged on March 24, 2025.

Police said the cyber criminals added the victim in this case to some WhatsApp groups, where he was given lessons and tips in stock marketing.

The victim was then asked to download a fraudulent share trading app that displayed unrealistically high fake returns. But, when the victim tried to withdraw his earnings, the fraudsters asked him to transfer more money as brokerage fees, security deposit and other purposes.

Police said the victim transferred a total of Rs 2,52,96,406 into different bank accounts through multiple online transactions under the instructions of the cyber criminals, in the hope of getting lucrative profits.

Four teams led by assistant inspector Pravin Swami, sub inspectors Vidya Patil, Sagar Poman and Vaibhav Patil were formed to probe the cyber fraud.

Cops zeroed in on the bank accounts in which the victim’s money was transferred. Cops nabbed a bank account holder based in Beed district. Further probe revealed that the accused Choure had gained access to this bank account for the purpose of a “gaming fund”, but it was later used to receive money from cyber fraud. The police nabbed Choure and his interrogation revealed he had visited Dubai a few months ago.

As per a press release issued on Saturday by Deputy Commissioner of Police (crime) Sandeep Doifode, Choure allegedly joined hands with an Indian racketeer, Ganesh Kale, who is wanted in other offences, and a Pakistani citizen based in Dubai.

Choure allegedly provided them mule accounts on commission. The said bank accounts were operated with the help of a racketeer from Nepal and in return, Choure earned profits in the form of USDT crypto currency, the press release stated. These bank accounts were also used to commission crimes registered in different parts of the country, police said.

“Choure runs a medical shop. We got details of several bank accounts from his cell phone. He is now lodged in Yerawada jail. Further investigation is on,” said senior police inspector Ravikiran Nale, the investigation officer.