Pune: A 48-year-old techie from Lohegaon has lodged a complaint with the Pune cyber police, alleging that online fraudsters duped him of Rs 69 lakh by promising high returns on cryptocurrency investments.The victim, who works with a prominent company in Hadapsar, told police that the fraud took place between May and Nov 2025. He initially submitted a complaint application, and after verification, a formal FIR was registered by the Pune cyber police on Sunday.According to the police, the victim received a message from an unknown number containing a link. “He opened the message and clicked on the link, following which the fraudsters contacted him and introduced him to cryptocurrency trading,” an officer from the cyber police said.“The suspects allegedly asked him to download a crypto trading application, which he did. He began investing in various cryptocurrencies but failed to earn any profits,” he said.Subsequently, the fraudsters persuaded him to invest in more expensive and prominent cryptocurrencies, assuring him of assistance in making profitable trades, police said.The victim agreed and was provided with details of three different bank accounts.“He transferred money to these accounts multiple times at the fraudsters’ insistence, often being told that the value of certain cryptocurrencies had dropped and that additional investment was required. Over time, he transferred Rs 69 lakh to these accounts,” the officer said.“The application later showed a profit of over Rs 80 lakh. When the victim attempted to sell the cryptocurrencies, the suspects prevented him from proceeding. He then realised he had been cheated,” the officer added.
