Fake Health Supplement Site Busted: Delhi Police Arrest Two
Delhi Police arrest two for running a fake health supplement website targeting Punjab residents. Discover how the scam operated.
The Delhi Police have dismantled a sophisticated online fraud racket that lured victims with the promise of health supplements and medicines. The scammers specifically targeted Punjabi-speaking residents of Punjab through a deceptive website, leading to the arrest of two 22-year-old men involved in the operation.
The Scam That Triggered the Probe
The fraudulent scheme came to light after a resident of Amritsar, Punjab, filed a formal complaint. The victim revealed that between September 27 and September 30, he had made online payments totaling approximately Rs 83,257 for health supplements and medicines via a website called www.openlifevedixa.com. Despite the payments, the products were never delivered.
Following the complaint, the East District's Cyber Police Station registered an FIR under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), launching a full-scale investigation into the digital trail.
Tracing the Money Trail
Investigators meticulously analyzed bank account details, KYC documents, and financial transactions. Their efforts led them to two specific bank accounts where a total of Rs 2,66,437—linked to the fraud—had been deposited. The police discovered that the cheated funds were being rapidly withdrawn through ATMs to avoid detection.
The investigation eventually led to the identification and arrest of Hiten Kumar and Ayush Arya, both aged 22.
How the Network Operated
During interrogation, the inner workings of the racket were revealed. Ayush Arya admitted to providing his own bank account credentials, as well as those of a friend, to his cousin, Hiten Kumar. This arrangement was not out of familial kindness, but for a financial incentive: a 10 per cent commission on the funds processed.
The process followed a specific pattern:
- Victims paid money into these arranged bank accounts.
- The money was withdrawn via ATMs.
- After deducting the 10 per cent commission, the remaining funds were handed over to Hiten Kumar.
- The money was then transferred to other higher-level members of the criminal network.
The Hunt for the Mastermind
Hiten Kumar was apprehended on October 21. Under questioning, he admitted that he was not the sole operator but was associated with another individual who managed the fraudulent website and facilitated the fake online sales.
Police have recovered a mobile phone belonging to Ayush Arya, which contains the link to the scam website and WhatsApp conversations between the accused. These digital footprints are currently being examined to uncover the identity of the website operator and other members of the syndicate.
The Delhi Police are continuing their investigation to trace the complete financial trail and determine the total number of victims who fell prey to this health- supplement scam.