Delhi Police have arrested three men in Noida for their alleged involvement in a cyber fraud network that targeted victims with fake stock-market investment opportunities promoted through social media, Telegram and WhatsApp.

The arrests were made by the Dwarka Cyber Police Station after a woman reported losing ₹5.50 lakh to individuals who allegedly promised unusually high returns from stock investments.

Police said the operation involved multiple bank accounts, mobile numbers and financial instruments. During the investigation, officers reportedly recovered 40 mobile phones, 146 SIM cards, 86 debit cards, 28 cheque books, 18 passbooks, three laptops, three passports and ₹1 lakh in cash.

Social Media Advertisement Led Victim to Telegram Group

The investigation began after a woman from Sector 16, Dwarka, encountered an investment advertisement while browsing social media in June.

She was subsequently added to a Telegram group called “Funds Invest”, where members allegedly shared stock-market tips and promoted investment opportunities claiming to generate substantial returns.

One of the suspects later contacted the woman through WhatsApp and reportedly provided instructions on where to transfer her investment funds.

According to police, she transferred ₹3 lakh to an account with Utkarsh Small Finance Bank on July 16 and another ₹2.50 lakh to a DCB Bank account on July 19.

When the expected returns failed to appear, the woman approached authorities.

An e-FIR was subsequently registered at the Dwarka Cyber Police Station on July 19 under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to cheating, impersonation and criminal conspiracy.

Financial Investigation Led Police to Noida

Investigators followed the financial trail from the accounts that allegedly received the victim’s money.

According to police, analysis of one of the DCB Bank accounts eventually helped investigators identify links to the suspected network.

Technical surveillance and financial investigation then led officers to a residential complex in

Police allege that the men were involved in managing bank accounts, monitoring incoming payments and handling financial instruments used by the network.

During questioning, the suspects reportedly told investigators that they had connected with other individuals through Instagram. Police are now attempting to identify those associates and establish how the network obtained bank accounts, SIM cards and debit cards.

Large Number of SIM Cards and Debit Cards Recovered

The recovery of 146 SIM cards and 86 debit cards has become a significant part of the investigation.

Cyber fraud operations can use numerous phone numbers and financial accounts to communicate with victims, receive payments and move money between accounts.

SIM cards may be linked to messaging accounts used on platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram, while multiple debit cards and bank accounts can allow fraudulent funds to be transferred through different channels.

Accounts used to receive or move money for other individuals are commonly described as mule accounts.

Some account holders knowingly provide access in exchange for money, while in other cases banking credentials or identity documents may allegedly be misused.

Investigators are also examining the 28 cheque books, 18 passbooks and three passports recovered during the operation to determine whether additional identities or financial accounts were involved.

Recovered Accounts Linked to Six Cybercrime Complaints

Police said their investigation found that some of the recovered bank accounts were allegedly linked to six complaints filed through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP).

The complaints originated from Delhi, Kerala, Maharashtra and Karnataka and reportedly involved combined losses of approximately ₹4 lakh.

The discovery has widened the scope of the investigation beyond the original ₹5.50 lakh complaint.

Investigators are examining seized phones, computers and SIM cards to determine the number of victims connected to the network and identify additional suspects.

Investment Scams Often Use the Same Online Pattern

The alleged operation follows a pattern seen in several online investment fraud cases.

Victims are commonly introduced to investment schemes through social media advertisements before being directed to Telegram or WhatsApp groups.

Inside these groups, fraudsters may display alleged trading profits, testimonials or screenshots designed to create the impression that other participants are making substantial returns.

Victims are then encouraged to transfer money into bank accounts controlled or provided by the operators.

In some cases, fake trading platforms may show fabricated profits. When victims attempt to withdraw their money, they may be asked to pay additional taxes, processing charges or other fees.

The fraud can continue until the victim realizes that the displayed profits and investment platform are not genuine.

Police Trace Wider Cyber Fraud Network

Delhi Police are continuing to analyse the seized electronic devices and financial records to determine the complete structure of the suspected operation.

Investigators are particularly focused on identifying individuals who allegedly supplied bank accounts, SIM cards and debit cards, as well as those who communicated directly with victims.

The discovery of complaints from multiple states could also help investigators establish whether the suspected network operated on a wider scale.

How to Avoid Online Investment Scams

Investors should be cautious when approached through social media, Telegram or WhatsApp with promises of unusually high or guaranteed returns.

Before transferring money, investors should independently verify whether the investment platform and intermediary are properly regulated and registered with the relevant financial authorities.

People should also avoid sending investment funds to personal or unfamiliar bank accounts based solely on instructions received through messaging applications.