Investigators say the fraud was carried out between August and November 2025, beginning with contact over WhatsApp and small initial “profits” to build trust. Authorities are now probing possible links to similar cases in other states as the investigation widens.
BY PC Bureau
February 13, 2026: In a major crackdown on cyber-enabled investment fraud, the Palakkad Cyber Police have arrested Keisham Ningthemjao Singh, 63, from Manipur, for allegedly orchestrating an online trading scam that siphoned off Rs 1.84 crore from a Kerala businessman. Investigators say the case exposes the expanding interstate network behind digital financial crimes.
Keisham Ningthemjao Singh, son of Keisham Kullabidhu Singh, hails from Yairipok, Laimanai Top Chingtha in Imphal East district of Manipur. He had previously sought a Congress ticket to contest from the Andro Assembly seat but did not secure the nomination.
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How The Scam Was Executed
According to investigators, the fraud took place between August and November 2025. The victim, a businessman from Mannarkkad in Palakkad district, was initially contacted via WhatsApp by the accused and his associates.
The fraudsters allegedly enticed him with promises of exceptionally high returns through online share trading investments. To establish credibility, the victim was allowed to see small profits on minor initial deposits — a classic confidence-building tactic frequently used in investment scams.
Encouraged by these early “returns,” the businessman gradually increased his investments. Over time, he transferred a total of Rs 1,84,52,524 through links shared by the accused.
Police allege that the funds were diverted to multiple bank accounts, including one account reportedly controlled directly by Singh and allegedly used exclusively for illicit transactions.
Investigators described the operation as methodical and layered, involving staged dashboards, fabricated trading updates, and step-by-step trust-building before siphoning off the funds.
Multi-State Linkages Under Scanner
During the course of the probe, police uncovered evidence suggesting that Singh may be linked to at least five additional cheating cases registered in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala.
Authorities believe the fraud was unlikely to have been carried out by a single individual. Investigators suspect the involvement of a wider network, possibly including technical facilitators and financial intermediaries operating across multiple states.
The probe has now been expanded, and further arrests are expected as digital evidence, financial records, and communication data are analyzed.
Legal Provisions Invoked
The case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, particularly provisions relating to cheating and criminal breach of trust, along with sections of the Information Technology Act dealing with cyber fraud and digital deception.
Police are also examining possibilities of attaching properties or freezing additional accounts linked to the alleged scam.
Growing Threat Of Online Trading Scams
The case highlights the increasing prevalence of cyber frauds in India, particularly those masquerading as legitimate online trading or investment opportunities.
Cybercrime units across the country have repeatedly warned citizens against unsolicited investment advice received via messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram — especially when high returns are promised with little or no risk.
Experts note that such scams typically follow a predictable pattern: fraudsters initiate contact through messaging apps, lure victims with promises of unusually high returns, and offer small early payouts to build trust. Once confidence is established, they gradually extract larger sums before suddenly disappearing or blocking access to accounts. Victims are often shown fabricated profit dashboards or temporary gains to create a false sense of security before the fraudsters cut off communication.
Inter-State Coordination A Key Factor
Officials said the swift tracing and arrest of the accused across state boundaries reflects improved inter-state coordination and the growing technical capabilities of cybercrime units.
Authorities have once again urged the public to verify investment platforms through official regulatory channels and report suspicious communications immediately to cybercrime helplines or local police.
As the investigation progresses, more details are expected to emerge regarding the broader network behind the scam and potential recovery of funds for the victim.
The arrest serves as a stark reminder that in the digital age, promises of “guaranteed high returns” often come at a devastating cost.
