How a Fugitive Coordinated Cash Flow in a Rs 1.5 Lakh Scam

NEW DELHI, September 12 – A hidden mastermind, described by investigators as a fugitive cash handler, orchestrated the movement of Rs 1.5 lakh obtained through a fake washing‑machine spare‑parts scheme.

The scam surfaced after a complaint was lodged on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal by a Patan, Gujarat resident who paid Rs 1,50,000 for parts that never arrived.

Forensic tracing linked the first outflow of money to an ATM in East Delhi. The subsequent FIR prompted a cyber‑crime team to map the financial network.

The cash was first deposited into the account of Naitik, a Shakarpur resident. Naitik later received the sum from Vikas Soni, also from Shakarpur. Both men were apprehended.

Investigators uncovered that the fugitive, who remains at large, instructed accomplices on how to withdraw and redistribute the cash. Sagar of Trilokpuri followed these directions, pulling cash from the ATM, keeping a commission and passing the remainder back to the fugitive.

An iPhone 13 seized from Vikas Soni contained chat logs that confirmed the fugitive’s role as the “cash handler,” coordinating withdrawals and transfers across multiple mule accounts.

The fraudsters used online platforms and search‑engine results to reach potential buyers, impersonating legitimate sellers or service agents. After establishing trust, they offered spare parts at a reduced price and demanded instant online payment.

The proceeds were dispersed into several mule accounts. The mule holders withdrew cash, retained a fee, and handed the bulk of the money to the fugitive, effectively masking the final end‑point of the illicit funds.

Law enforcement continues to search for the fugitive, dismantle the broader network and recover the remaining stolen amount.