The rapid growth of India’s digital world has brought with it endless possibilities — from instant payments and online trading to virtual education and social media. But hidden beneath this convenience is a dark side that is growing fast. A recent case from Delhi has once again reminded us that the same technology that connects us can also be used to cheat us.
Three young men in their twenties were arrested for being part of an international cybercrime network. What makes this case even more shocking is the creativity and deception behind it. The accused named themselves after characters from the popular Netflix series Money Heist — “Professor,” “Amanda,” and “Denver.” Using this pop-culture disguise, they allegedly helped foreign handlers, believed to be Chinese nationals, cheat hundreds of Indians out of nearly ₹250 crore.
The method was both simple and sophisticated. The group created fake online trading platforms that looked professional and convincing. Unsuspecting people, many of them middle-class professionals, were lured into investing their savings in the hope of earning quick returns. Once the victims deposited their money, it was transferred into various mule bank accounts — accounts created and managed by the accused to hide the original source of the funds. From there, the money was routed through multiple layers, converted into cryptocurrency, and moved out of the country through hawala channels.
In this particular case, one of the victims, a Delhi government employee named Rohit, was cheated out of ₹21.7 lakh. He was persuaded to invest in something called the “Direct Market Account.” When he tried to withdraw his money, the fraudsters froze his funds and demanded more money under the threat of forfeiture. This shows how cleverly emotional and financial pressure is used in such scams.
The arrests were made after months of investigation by Delhi Police. The suspects — Arpit Mishra from Jaipur, Prabhat Vajpayee from Ghaziabad, and Mohammad Abbas Khan from Manipur — were caught with several phones, SIM cards, debit cards, and other evidence. The fourth member, who used the name “Berlin,” is still on the run.
What stands out here is not just the amount of money lost but how easily people are falling for such scams. As India’s digital infrastructure grows, cybercriminals are finding more creative ways to exploit gaps in awareness and security. They use professional-looking websites, fake trading apps, and even social media profiles to win people’s trust. Once they gain access, they use psychological manipulation — offering high profits, limited-time offers, or emotional appeals — to get people to share money or personal data.
This case should serve as a wake-up call for everyone who uses the internet, especially for financial transactions. It is important to remember that no genuine investment platform will promise guaranteed high returns in a short time. Before investing or sharing financial details online, users must verify the source, check the website’s authenticity, and avoid clicking on unknown links. Using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and keeping devices updated can also reduce risks.
Authorities, too, must keep up with the pace of cybercrime. While arrests like these are encouraging, they are only a small step in a much larger battle. Cybercrime is no longer limited by borders, and digital money can vanish in seconds. Strengthening cooperation between countries, tightening regulations on digital transactions, and increasing public awareness are crucial steps toward safety.
The story of these young men — educated, tech-savvy, and ambitious — also points to another troubling trend. Many such individuals are being recruited into global cyber networks, often lured by easy money. This underlines the need for better digital ethics education and stricter monitoring of financial activities online.
In a country where digital payments have become a part of daily life, cybercrime is the new street crime. Only awareness, caution, and vigilance can protect us. The glitter of quick profits can be tempting, but as this case shows, it can also lead to ruin. The digital world may be convenient, but it demands that we stay alert — because behind every screen could be a “Professor” waiting to strike.
