Haryana doctor among nine arrested in Rs 209 crore online investment scam
Hisar: An MBBS doctor from Haryana, among nine others, has been arrested for allegedly masterminding a massive online investment scam that duped hundreds of people, including vulnerable account holders. The case has surfaced in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district and involves transactions worth Rs 209 crore so far, with officials estimating the amount could cross Rs 400 crore after full verification.
According to police officials, nine people have been arrested in connection with the case, including the doctor who allegedly learned cyber fraud techniques while pursuing his MBBS in the Philippines. The accused reportedly used fake online investment platforms, luring people with promises of high returns through coin trading schemes.
As reported by Kashmir News Service, the investigation began after a complaint was filed by a resident from Safapora in Ganderbal. An FIR (No. 08/2026) was registered at Police Station Ganderbal under sections 3(5), 61(2), 316 (4), 318, 111 BNS, and 66-C IT Act.
Following the FIR, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed by Senior Superintendent of Police Ganderbal, Khalil Ahmad Poswal-JKPS, that included subject matter experts to examine the case.
Police said the fraudsters operated through fake websites and promoted them through social media channels. Investors were promised high returns, and once they began depositing money, the funds were routed into local bank accounts across Budgam, Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Baramulla before being layered and transferred outside Jammu and Kashmir, and even outside the country, to lose the money trail.
“The amount was immediately transferred out of J&K through multiple layers and even routed outside the country to prevent detection of the money trail,” the spokesperson said.
The alleged mastermind, also known as “Dr. Morphine,” is a resident of Hisar, Haryana. Police officials stated that he developed expertise in cyber fraud during his MBBS studies in the Philippines and maintained links with Chinese nationals. He was arrested by Ganderbal Police upon his arrival from China at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi.
The accused doctor allegedly worked with several local operatives in Kashmir. They reportedly functioned as regional heads and account mobilisers, targeting Below Poverty Line (BPL) account holders and offering them Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 per month in exchange for use of their bank accounts and ATM cards.
Preliminary findings have also suggested possible involvement of certain bank employees who allegedly provided QR codes linked to these accounts. These QR codes were uploaded to the fake websites and changed frequently whenever cyber units froze mule accounts. The fraud network operated through dedicated Telegram channels.
“So far, police have collected details of 835 accounts and verified transactions of 290 accounts, in which Rs 209 crore was received from various investors across India. Upon complete verification, the amount is likely to cross Rs 400 crore,” the spokesperson added.
The remaining eight accused were arrested from different parts of Kashmir. Further investigation is underway to trace the complete money trail, and proceedings have been initiated to attach properties of the accused.
