Govt. official in Bengaluru loses ₹2.53 crore in WhatsApp investment scam

Bengaluru

A 51-year-old non-gazetted government official from Horamavu, Bengaluru, has reportedly lost ₹2.53 crore after falling prey to a fraudulent investment scheme circulated through WhatsApp. FIR is registered at Central CEN police station.

According to the police complaint filed by the victim, Rakesh R, on June 12, 2025, unknown individuals added him to a WhatsApp group named “Wealth Management” on April 1. The group members, using multiple mobile numbers, claimed to be associated with a SEBI-registered investment platform and promised high returns on online investments.

Acting on their advice, Rakesh downloaded an app named Abott and transferred a total of ₹2,53,85,021 to several bank accounts between April 4 and June 2. The transactions were carried out from two of his bank accounts.

After the funds were transferred, the accused stopped responding and failed to return either the principal amount or the promised returns. Realising he had been defrauded, Rakesh approached the police and requested legal action against the unknown perpetrators.

The case has been registered under relevant sections of cybercrime and fraud. Bengaluru police have launched an investigation and are tracking digital evidence linked to the mobile numbers and bank accounts used in the scam.

Officials have once again urged the public not to trust investment schemes promoted through informal online platforms or WhatsApp groups, especially those that promise unusually high returns.

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