Hyderabad: Cops Bust ₹1.2 Crore WhatsApp DP Fraud

Hyderabad: Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police on Wednesday arrested Harshad, accused in a major WhatsApp display picture impersonation scam amounting to ₹1,20,00,000. His associates Meethale Puthiyottil Anaz and Vazhayil Valappil Hiba Fathima, both from Kozhikode, Kerala, are absconding, said V. Arvind Babu, DCP cybercrimes.

Investigators said the gang used multiple mule bank accounts to receive and withdraw the defrauded amount, routing funds through several accounts nationwide to avoid detection. On March 13, the victim’s company accountant received a WhatsApp message from Harshad, who impersonated the victim using her display picture and name. Believing the message genuine, the accountant transferred ₹1.2 crore to accounts provided by the fraudster.

The fraud surfaced when further suspicious requests were made. A case was registered under Crime No. 234 of 2026, leading to Harshad’s arrest. Two mobile phones used in the offence were seized.

Police said Harshad is a habitual cyber offender. His South India Bank account (No. 0189073000062331) was linked to four cases across Kerala, Karnataka and Rajasthan. He admitted receiving a commission of ₹10 lakh for providing his account, through which transactions worth ₹1,67,64,563 were carried out.

The operation was supervised by ACP R. G. Siva Maruthi and led by inspector N. Ramu, with SI PVS Abhishek and supporting staff. Their coordinated efforts dismantled a sophisticated fraud network, ensuring justice to the victim.