Maharashtra Cyber arrests one over WhatsApp group 'Breakthrough Communication' share-trading fraud
The Hans India (via IANS) reported on 27 October 2026 that Maharashtra Cyber has arrested one person in connection with an online share-market investment fraud of Rs 4.97 lakh. According to officials, the complainant,…
- First reported
- Reports
- 1
Source: thehansindia.com · published
What happened
The Hans India (via IANS) reported on 27 October 2026 that Maharashtra Cyber has arrested one person in connection with an online share-market investment fraud of Rs 4.97 lakh. According to officials, the complainant, a 42-year-old man, saw a social media advertisement referring to Susquehanna International Group and joined a WhatsApp group called "Breakthrough Communication". A person using the name "Shikha Sharma" allegedly gave him investment guidance and encouraged him to invest through a trading application. Believing the claims, he transferred Rs 4.97 lakh into eight bank accounts between 25 August and 23 September. Police say a 23-year-old, who appeared before the investigating officer on 26 October, was arrested for allegedly receiving and disposing of cash linked to the fraud. The arrested man has not been convicted of anything.
How the scam works
The officials' account fits a common pattern. An ad using the name of a real finance firm draws people into a WhatsApp group. A friendly "adviser" posts tips and screenshots, then pushes members towards a trading app. Money goes to bank accounts the victim is told to pay, rather than to a regulated broker, and apps in schemes like this typically show balances that cannot be withdrawn. Susquehanna International Group is a real firm whose name was referred to in the ad; the report does not suggest it is involved. "Shikha Sharma" is an alias used in the chat and may not be a real person.
Police say they traced the movement of the money across several accounts and that funds received in one account were allegedly withdrawn in cash and passed to the arrested man through an intermediary. Officials say the investigation indicates he may have acted in coordination with others. The victim reported the case on the National Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 on 27 September, and an FIR was registered at the Nodal Cyber Police Station under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.
Source
The Hans India (IANS), "Maha Cyber arrests one in 4.97 lakh online share market investment fraud case" (27 October 2026).
Red flags
- A social media advert using a well-known finance firm's name to recruit people into a WhatsApp group.
- A friendly 'adviser' with an alias who offers stock tips to strangers.
- Pressure to invest through a trading app rather than a regulated broker.
- Instructions to transfer money into several different personal bank accounts.
- Returns or balances that can't be withdrawn.
If you were targeted
- 1Don't join investment WhatsApp groups run by people you don't know, and don't install trading apps they recommend.
- 2Check that any broker or adviser is registered with the regulator (in India, SEBI) before sending money.
- 3If you've paid, call the National Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 at once and report at cybercrime.gov.in; quick reports can help freeze funds.
- 4Never pay into personal bank accounts for 'investments'.
- 5Keep chat screenshots, account numbers and transaction receipts for police.