One click, one Telegram group, ₹2.11 crore gone: how an NRI fell for a fake forex trap

Crore trap

An NRI living in the US has allegedly lost a staggering ₹2.11 crore to an online forex trading scam in Kerala. The 41-year-old man, originally from Kunnathunadu in Ernakulam, reportedly came across what appeared to be a legitimate trading opportunity on the internet. According to police, the investment platform was fake, and the money was transferred to accounts controlled by suspected fraudsters. But how did a simple website link lead to such an enormous financial loss? (AI generated)

Telegram deception

A website link, a Telegram group and a trading platform that allegedly wasn't real! Police say the NRI first encountered a link associated with 'Handtec Markets' before being added to a Telegram group. The accused subsequently shared another link claiming to belong to 'Handtec Markets Global LTD', which redirected him to a fake forex trading website. The victim was then guided through the process using login credentials provided by the alleged fraudsters. It was a carefully constructed online setup, according to investigators. (AI generated)

Withdrawal nightmare

Imagine investing over ₹2 crore, only to discover you cannot withdraw a single rupee! According to police, the NRI transferred money from his bank accounts to various accounts specified by the accused on multiple occasions beginning in October 2025. The total amount allegedly invested reached ₹2,11,35,077. The suspected fraud surfaced when he recently attempted to withdraw his funds. Neither the original investment nor the promised profits were returned, leaving him facing a massive financial loss. (AI generated)

Recovery race

Can police recover ₹2.11 crore after the money has already moved through multiple bank accounts? The Ernakulam Rural Cyber Crime Police registered a case on Wednesday following a complaint filed by a friend of the US-based NRI. Investigators said there had been a delay in reporting the alleged fraud, potentially complicating recovery efforts. A case has been registered against unidentified persons under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Information Technology Act. Police are now tracking the recipient accounts and trying to freeze them. (AI generated)