Hyderabad Cyber Fraud Probe Expands as Google India Executive Added to Cases

A series of online investment scams reported in Hyderabad has taken a significant turn after cyber crime investigators expanded their inquiry to include Google India executive Preeti Lobana in three separate criminal cases. The move follows complaints from victims who claimed they lost substantial amounts of money after using investment applications available through the Google Play Store.

According to police officials, the affected individuals believed the applications were trustworthy because they were listed on an official digital marketplace. Investigators said formal notices have already been sent to Google requesting the removal of the suspected applications while the inquiry continues.

Authorities explained that digital platforms are expected to act when informed about unlawful content. Officials stated that if reported applications remain available without appropriate action, legal responsibility may arise under the relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act.

One complaint involved a retired resident from Santoshnagar who alleged losing more than Rs 24 lakh after responding to an online advertisement promising unusually high returns through stock market investments. The victim later communicated with individuals through WhatsApp, installed an application and transferred money to multiple bank accounts before discovering that withdrawals were blocked.

In another case, a government employee from Adibatla claimed he invested over Rs 17 lakh after being introduced to an application that promoted artificial intelligence based trading opportunities. Although the application displayed significant profits, he alleged that repeated demands for additional payments prevented him from accessing his funds.

A third complaint was filed by a retired government employee from Erragadda, who told investigators he lost around Rs 7 lakh after investing through another stock trading application recommended by unknown contacts over WhatsApp.

Police have registered cases against the alleged fraud operators under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. Investigators are now examining digital evidence, financial transactions and the role of every individual named in the complaints.

Cyber Crime officials have once again advised the public to avoid investment schemes promoted through social media or messaging platforms, verify the authenticity of financial applications before downloading them and remain cautious of promises offering unusually high returns within a short period.