Odisha: 2 Cyber Crooks Arrested for Alleged ₹200 Crore International Dating App Scam

Rourkela: Odisha Police nabbed two cybercriminals with alleged ties to international scamming syndicates, accused of defrauding victims of over Rs 200 crore.

Identified as Harish Kurapati, also known as Harry, and Naga Venkata Sowjanya Kurapati, alias Lisa, the duo was apprehended by the Bureau of Immigration at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, upon their return from Cambodia. They were brought to Rourkela for interrogation regarding a cybercrime case reported in December last year.

Charged under various sections of the IPC and the IT Act, the accused are scheduled for a court appearance today. The arrests come in connection with an ongoing investigation initiated by the Rourkela Cyber Police following a complaint from a central government official regarding a cyber fraud amounting to Rs 67.70 lakh. Subsequently, eight individuals were arrested across the country, with lookout circulars issued against 16 others.

The modus operandi involved the accused joining scamming companies in Cambodia, targeting Indian males through dating apps and persuading them to invest in cryptocurrency or fake stock trading platforms. The scam escalated with fraudulent returns promised to investors, leading to significant losses. It’s been disclosed that the scamming companies, led by Chinese nationals, employed individuals from various countries, including India, who were subjected to harsh working conditions and coercive tactics.

Furthermore, efforts are underway to identify and repatriate Indians trapped in such schemes abroad. The Rourkela Cyber Police are actively pursuing this matter to ensure their safe return to India through proper channels.