Kerala cyber police investigate fraudulent investment platform after a 41-year-old expatriate from Ernakulam was allegedly duped through fake trading links and multiple bank transfers
The initiative highlights the growing need for organised healthcare support for India’s elderly population, particularly as more families have children working and settling overseas.
A 41-year-old Non-Resident Indian (NRI) based in the United States has allegedly lost ₹2.11 crore in an online foreign exchange trading scam after being lured into investing through a fraudulent platform promoted via a Telegram group, according to a report by Business Today.
The victim, originally from Kunnathunadu in Kerala’s Ernakulam district, reportedly came across an online link associated with a trading platform called ‘Handtec Markets’. He was subsequently added to a Telegram group where individuals claiming to represent ‘Handtec Markets Global LTD’ shared another link directing him to what investigators suspect was a fake forex trading website.
The alleged fraudsters provided login credentials and guided him through the investment process, creating the impression that he was participating in a legitimate foreign exchange trading operation
According to the police complaint, the NRI began transferring money from his bank accounts to several accounts specified by the accused in October 2025. The total amount transferred reportedly reached ₹2,11,35,077.
The fraud came to light when the investor attempted to withdraw his money but was unable to recover either his original investment or the profits allegedly promised by the platform.
The Ernakulam Rural Cyber Crime Police registered a case on Wednesday following a complaint lodged by a friend of the victim. The case has been filed against unidentified persons under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.
Investigators are tracing the bank accounts that received the money and exploring possibilities of freezing the funds. Police have also indicated that the delay in reporting the alleged fraud could make recovery more difficult, as the money may have passed through multiple accounts.
The incident highlights the risks associated with unsolicited online investment offers, particularly those promoted through messaging platforms and unverified trading websites. Cybersecurity experts advise investors to verify the credentials of trading platforms and regulatory approvals before transferring money.
