Surat Cybercrime police have arrested a 46-year-old woman from Kerala for her alleged role in a stock market investment fraud that cost a complainant ₹13.10 lakh. Investigators suspect that a bank account operated in the name of a firm linked to the woman and her son was used to transfer money collected through cyberfraud.
The accused, identified as Saleena Thadiyan, belongs to Chokkad village in Malappuram district, Kerala. According to police, she allegedly allowed cyberfraudsters to use the firm’s current bank account to route money obtained from victims in exchange for a commission on transactions.
How the Investment Scam Worked
According to the complaint, the victim was approached with promises of returns exceeding 5% through stock market investments. The fraudsters added the complainant to a group on a messaging platform and encouraged them to invest through a company they presented as legitimate.
The victim was subsequently directed to a website where they were asked to register and create an account. To make the investment opportunity appear credible, the accused fraudsters allegedly shared forged documents purportedly issued by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), along with bank account details for transferring the money.
Trusting the representations, the complainant transferred ₹13.10 lakh across multiple accounts. However, when the victim attempted to withdraw the invested amount, the request was not processed. The complainant then approached the cybercrime police, leading to an investigation.
Bank Account Under Scanner
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cybercrime) Bishakha Jain, Saleena and her son had established a firm and opened a current account in its name with Federal Bank. Investigators allege that the account was used to channel funds linked to cyberfraud, with Saleena receiving a 3% commission for facilitating the transactions.
Police said they travelled to the accused’s village in Malappuram to take her into custody. Her son allegedly fled when the police team reached their residence.
The investigation also uncovered substantial financial activity through the account. Between January 9 and July 29, 2026, transactions amounting to ₹39.70 lakh were recorded. A search of the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal reportedly revealed 12 complaints from different states linked to the account.
Police further stated that four FIRs connected to the account had been registered in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Telangana. Around ₹33.40 lakh in suspected proceeds of cyberfraud had been credited to the account, according to investigators.
The case highlights how cybercriminals may use bank accounts belonging to individuals or businesses to move money obtained through online investment scams. Such account holders can become part of investigations into wider fraud networks, particularly when transactions are linked to multiple complaints across states.
Reader’s Note: How to Avoid Stock Market Investment Scams
Be cautious of investment schemes promising unusually high or guaranteed returns. Fraudsters may use messaging groups, fake trading platforms, fabricated regulatory documents and convincing websites to gain investors’ trust.
Before investing, verify the registration of the intermediary through SEBI’s official website. Do not transfer money to unfamiliar bank accounts based on instructions received through messaging apps, and never rely solely on screenshots of profits or investment statements as proof of genuine trading activity.
If you suspect online investment fraud, report it immediately through India’s cybercrime helpline at 1930 or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in.
