The Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have named the head of Google India as a co-accused in three cyber fraud cases involving fraudulent stock investment mobile applications allegedly made available through the Google Play Store. The action follows complaints from victims who claimed they lost money after downloading investment applications that promised high returns before directing them to transfer funds.

According to investigators, the FIRs relate to online investment scams in which fraudsters allegedly used fake stock trading applications to deceive victims into making financial transactions.

Investigation Examines Distribution of Fraudulent Investment Apps

Police have registered the Google India head as a co-accused along with two other individuals identified in the investigation as Dia Zian and Aneesh Mathew. Authorities are examining the role of the accused in connection with the publication and availability of the alleged fraudulent applications on the Google Play Store.

The investigation is focused on determining how the applications reached users and whether legal obligations relating to the distribution of digital applications were fulfilled.

Cases Registered Under IT Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita

The Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have invoked multiple legal provisions during the investigation, including:

• Section 66-C of the Information Technology Act (Identity Theft)
• Section 66-D of the Information Technology Act (Cheating by Personation Using Computer Resources)
• Relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to cheating, forgery, impersonation and the use of forged electronic records.

The FIR forms part of an ongoing criminal investigation, and the allegations remain subject to judicial scrutiny.

Victims Report Losses Through Fake Stock Investment Platforms

According to the complaints received by Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police, victims were persuaded to install stock investment applications that allegedly projected themselves as legitimate investment platforms.

After opening accounts and depositing money through the applications, victims reportedly experienced difficulties withdrawing their investments before eventually discovering that the platforms were allegedly fraudulent.

Police are examining digital evidence, financial transactions and communication records connected to the reported fraud.

Investigation Continues Into the Wider Cyber Fraud Network

Investigators are working to identify the complete network behind the alleged investment fraud, including individuals responsible for operating the applications, managing financial transactions and facilitating communication with victims.

Authorities are also analysing technical evidence to determine how the applications were published, promoted and accessed by users before the complaints were registered.

Conclusion

The Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police investigation marks a significant development in India’s efforts to tackle online investment fraud involving fraudulent mobile applications. By registering three cyber fraud cases and examining the alleged distribution of fake stock investment apps, investigators are seeking to identify everyone connected to the operation of the suspected fraud network. The investigation remains ongoing, and the filing of an FIR does not constitute proof of guilt. Further findings will depend on the evidence collected during the course of the investigation.