Mumbai: In a shocking case of cyber fraud, a woman from Bandra was duped of Rs 23.45 lakh after falling for a fake investment advertisement on the social media platform ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) featuring Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor. The Mumbai Cyber Cell is investigating the case and has registered an FIR under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act.
About The Case
According to police sources, the victim is a social worker who once played a key role in helping law enforcement nab an associate of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. In April, she came across an online article endorsing an investment scheme, allegedly backed by Kareena Kapoor and singer Shreya Ghoshal. The article included a link, which she clicked out of curiosity.
Soon after, she received a call from a woman identifying herself as "Sasha", claiming to represent an international investment firm named ‘Foxonet’. The woman persuaded her to register on the firm's website. Trusting the caller, the victim created a trading account.
Over the next few days, others using names like Sagar, Maya, and Raghav contacted her from international numbers, offering stock market tips. On Sasha’s advice, the woman initiated her first transaction by transferring $232 (around Rs 20,000) via debit card, which she used to buy shares on the portal. Seeing apparent profits displayed on the site, her confidence grew.
Between April 25 and May 6, the woman made multiple transfers totaling Rs 23.45 lakh. However, when she attempted to withdraw her profits, only Rs 1.63 lakh was accessible. Subsequent attempts to withdraw the remaining amount failed, and the fraudsters demanded another Rs 10 lakh to "unlock" the funds.
Realizing she had been scammed, the woman approached the Cyber Cell and lodged a complaint. A case has been registered under BNS Sections 318(4), 319(2), 336(2)(3), 338, 340(2), 61(2), and IT Act Sections 66(C) and 66(D) against unknown persons. Further investigation is underway.
