Cuttack: In a major success, Cuttack Cyber Police on Monday arrested a former Army personnel for allegedly defrauding thousands of people across Odisha of nearly Rs 20 crore in an online scam.
Police said the accused, identified as Parthasarathi Das of Rajendra Nagar area of Badambadi in Cuttack, was arrested from the Chandipur area of Balasore following a detailed cyber investigation.
Das developed and circulated an Android APK file named ‘Huge App’ via social media platforms promising lucrative offers. Victims were lured into depositing around Rs 16,500 with the assurance of earning commissions by liking and sharing YouTube videos and inviting others to join the app.
Though some users received payments initially, the app suddenly stopped functioning and withdrawal options were disabled after more people joined, Cuttack DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo told reporters.
Das allegedly convinced them to deposit extra money to “reactivate” the app. One of the victims later lodged a complaint at the Cuttack Cyber Police Station. Similar complaints were also made in rural areas of Cuttack.
After thorough probe, the cyber team tracked the accused using his mobile number, login credentials, and IP address. With support from the Crime Branch, Das was traced and arrested.
Police suspect the involvement of more people in the racket and further investigation is in progress.
