Kochi: A 41-year-old Non-Resident Indian (NRI) from Kunnathunadu in Kerala has allegedly lost Rs 2.11 crore after falling victim to an online forex trading fraud involving a fictitious investment platform. The victim, who is currently living in the United States, was reportedly persuaded to transfer money over several months through a fraudulent trading website.
According to police, the Ernakulam Rural Cyber Crime Police registered a case on Wednesday, November 11, following a complaint lodged by a friend of the victim.
Investigators said the man initially encountered a website link advertising a platform called ‘Handtec Markets’. After accessing it, he was added to a Telegram group, where fraudsters introduced another website operating under the name ‘Handtec Markets Global LTD’.
The link directed him to a counterfeit forex trading portal. The accused allegedly provided login credentials and guided him through the investment process using Telegram.
Police said the victim began transferring funds from his bank accounts to multiple accounts shared by the fraudsters in October 2025. Over time, he reportedly deposited a total of Rs 2,11,35,077 into the platform.
The fraud was discovered when the NRI attempted to withdraw his investment recently. However, he could not recover either the deposited amount or the returns he had allegedly been promised.
A case has been registered against unidentified individuals under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act.
Police acknowledged that the complaint was filed after a delay. Investigators are now tracing the beneficiary bank accounts and working to freeze the funds.
