In yet another chilling reminder of how digital fraudsters are increasingly targeting unsuspecting citizens—regardless of their background or experience—a retired Indian Army colonel was duped of ₹18.8 lakh in a foreign exchange (forex) investment scam. What makes this case particularly striking is not just the amount of money involved, but the profile of the accused—a 29-year-old fisherman from Kerala with no formal education beyond Class 10.
The Fraud That Stretched Across States
According to Delhi Police, the accused, Sreejith Rajendran, a resident of Azheekal in Kollam district, was arrested from his hometown after months of investigation. A retired army officer, who had served the nation with honour and dignity, fell prey to an online investment scam orchestrated through unsolicited messages and phone calls.
The scam began in December 2023 when the colonel was contacted by a woman identifying herself with the suspiciously glamorous name "Cute Arvin Anghita." Lured with promises of high returns in foreign exchange trading, the victim was systematically manipulated into transferring large sums of money.
Greed, Deception, and a Glamorous Facade
Sreejith Rajendran, a fisherman by trade, had no prior history in finance or digital crime. So how did he get involved in a cross-state cyber fraud operation?
Police investigations revealed that Sreejith was enticed into the racket by a friend who lived a lavish lifestyle funded through similar fraudulent activities. Faced with limited economic opportunities and inspired by dreams of quick wealth, Sreejith joined a syndicate that specialized in duping people through fake investment schemes.
The role he played was primarily that of a "mule"—someone whose bank account was used to receive and quickly withdraw the illicit money. One transaction of ₹5.93 lakh was traced directly to a bank account in Oachira, Kollam, held in Sreejith’s name. The money was withdrawn in cash the very same day.
Unraveling the Syndicate
This is not an isolated incident. Earlier this year, another member of the same racket, identified as Sunil from Jodhpur, was arrested. The mastermind, Anandhu Lal, also from Kollam, remains at large. Police suspect the group is part of a wider pan-India scam network exploiting technology and social engineering to target vulnerable people, including senior citizens and retired professionals.
The retired colonel’s case stands out not just for the emotional and financial toll it took on a respected veteran, but also for the inter-state complexity of the fraud operation. The Delhi Police Cyber Cell had to track financial trails across states, eventually dispatching a team to Kerala, where Sreejith was apprehended in Azheekal, a coastal village.
A Wake-Up Call for Veterans and Civilians Alike
While we often imagine cyber scams as high-tech operations requiring advanced tools and knowledge, this case shows that basic manipulation and greed are often enough. Even a person with no formal education or technological skills can become part of a scam that ensnares even the most disciplined and alert individuals.
This incident should serve as a warning to everyone, including ex-servicemen, pensioners, and tech-savvy professionals. Scammers are evolving faster than ever, blending technology with traditional con artistry. Their methods include:
Fake identities and online personas
Emotional manipulation through calls and chats
Sophisticated-looking websites and apps
Use of mule accounts to make tracking difficult
What Can Be Done?
Public Awareness Campaigns: Authorities must invest more in educating people, especially the elderly and retired professionals, about the red flags of online scams.
Stricter Banking Vigilance: Banks should implement stricter protocols and alerts for high-value transactions, especially those made to newly added beneficiaries or across states.
Faster Inter-State Coordination: Law enforcement must improve coordination to ensure quick arrests and asset recovery before scammers can disappear.
Tech Platform Accountability: Messaging platforms used to contact victims must enhance their scrutiny and reporting mechanisms.
Conclusion
The story of a retired colonel losing his hard-earned savings to a fisherman-turned-fraudster is more than just a crime report—it is a tragic reflection of a growing cyber epidemic. While one perpetrator has been arrested, the mastermind is still at large, and the system remains vulnerable.
Let this story not just provoke outrage, but inspire vigilance. Whether you're a veteran, a techie, or a homemaker—fraud doesn’t discriminate, and neither should your caution.
