1,800 People Allegedly Tricked by Work-From-Home Scheme, Woman Held
A large-scale alleged work-from-home fraud has come to light in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, where a woman has been arrested for allegedly collecting ₹12.62 crore from around 1,800 people through a firm named Mashallah Enterprises. The Satyanarayanapuram police of the NTR Police Commissionerate arrested Pasupuleti Suma in connection with the case. According to the police, the accused allegedly lured people with promises of earning money from home by packing scrubbers. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the case and trace the flow of the money.
Suma’s husband, Pasupuleti Ankusam, surrendered before the court on August 12. The couple were produced before the court on August 13. Police said three more accused have been identified and efforts are underway to arrest them.
Job Offers Promoted Through Social Media
According to the preliminary investigation by the SIT, the accused allegedly promoted work-from-home opportunities through various social media groups. People were offered jobs involving the packing of scrubbers from their homes and were promised fixed payments in return.
The police said the accused allegedly asked victims to deposit different amounts and promised corresponding returns. Those who deposited ₹50,000 were allegedly promised ₹12,000, while a deposit of ₹1 lakh was linked to a promised payment of ₹24,000. Those depositing ₹2 lakh were allegedly assured ₹48,000.
The alleged scheme was presented as an opportunity to earn attractive income from home, encouraging people looking for employment or additional earnings to transfer money.
₹12.62 Crore Collected From 1,800 Victims
Investigators allege that the accused gradually collected large amounts from people who responded to the advertisements circulated through social media. Police have so far estimated that nearly ₹12.62 crore was collected from around 1,800 victims.
Investigators are now examining where the money was transferred and how it was subsequently used. Bank records are being analysed to identify the accounts that received the money and the individuals or entities who allegedly benefited from the transactions.
Police have also seized 50 bank accounts maintained with different banks and linked to the accused. The accounts are being examined as part of the financial investigation. Authorities are also trying to identify assets that may have been acquired using the alleged proceeds of the fraud.
Case Registered Under Multiple Laws
The police have registered a case under the Andhra Pradesh Protection of Depositors and Establishments Act, 1999, along with Section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act. Section 66(D) deals with cheating by personation using a computer or communication device.
Investigators are examining how the alleged network operated and whether social media platforms, mobile numbers, bank accounts and other digital channels were used to approach victims and collect money.
The financial investigation will be particularly important in determining whether the money was transferred directly to the accused or routed through multiple accounts. Police are also examining the records of the 50 seized bank accounts to establish the complete transaction trail.
Investigation Into Wider Network Underway
The SIT is questioning the arrested accused about the alleged method of operation, the number of victims, the bank accounts used and the utilisation of the money collected. Investigators are also checking whether Mashallah Enterprises was the only business entity allegedly used in the operation or whether other firms or accounts were involved.
A key part of the investigation is to establish the connection between the alleged fraud proceeds and assets acquired by the accused. Police are examining banking transactions to determine how much money was collected from victims, where it was transferred and whether any portion was converted into movable or immovable assets.
Cybercrime experts say work-from-home scams often exploit the demand for flexible employment by presenting seemingly simple jobs and promising unusually high returns. Once victims are convinced, they may be asked to make advance payments in the name of registration, security deposits, training or work-related expenses.
Police said three additional accused have been identified in the case and efforts are underway to apprehend them. Their alleged roles and financial links are being investigated. Further action will be based on bank records, digital evidence, statements and other material collected during the investigation. The SIT is also expected to determine whether more victims, accounts and individuals are connected to the alleged ₹12.62 crore network.
