Immigration officer loses Rs 79 lakh in cryptocurrency investment fraud
Mumbai (PTI): A 41-year-old immigration officer working at Malaysia's consulate general office in Mumbai has lost nearly Rs 79 lakh in a cryptocurrency investment scam, police said on Thursday.
The victim approached the police authorities around one-and-a-half years after the incident, citing severe mental stress and fear of social stigma, officials from the East Region Cyber Police said.
In January 2024, the officer was added to a WhatsApp group named "EG Plan", which regularly shared information about share trading. With basic knowledge of stock trading, he found the group's posts convincing. Acting on the instructions in the group, he registered on a company website and began investing, an official said.
Over the time, he transferred the money into more than 18 different bank accounts via online transactions and RTGS. Initially, he received Rs 1.69 lakh as returns, which increased his confidence in the scheme. Between April 2024 and June 2025, he invested approximately Rs 78.85 lakh in what he believed was cryptocurrency trading, he added.
When he attempted to withdraw his investment and profits, the fraudsters allegedly demanded an additional Rs 18 lakh as "processing fee". But after he refused to pay, all the communication was cut off.
He later informed his bank, which advised him to approach the police.
Based on his complaint, a case was registered against 10 unidentified individuals under charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating and relevant sections of the Information Technology Act.
Police are currently tracing the bank accounts where the funds were transferred and identifying the account holders, the official said, adding that investigation was underway.
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Nora Fatehi apologises before NCW over 'Sarke Chunar' row, vows support for orphan girls
New Delhi (PTI): Actor Nora Fatehi on Thursday appeared before the National Commission for Women in connection with a controversy surrounding the song 'Sarke Chunar' and apologised, saying there was "no intention to offend anybody."
Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Fatehi said she had been put in a situation unintentionally but acknowledged her responsibility as an artist.
"It was just a situation that I was put in, and there was no intention to offend anybody. But of course, I have to be responsible as an artiste. I definitely apologise, we have done everything in writing. They have been so kind and helpful," she said.
The actor also said she has decided to sponsor the education of a few orphan girls.
"It's really important for us to give back to society. So, I decided that we should sponsor a few orphan girls, their education, so that is the goal after this matter," she said.
Earlier, Fatehi distanced herself from the Hindi version of the song, saying she had shot the Kannada version and that her permission was not taken for its use in Hindi.
The Hindi version of the song, released on March 15 on YouTube, triggered outrage among a section of the public over its allegedly explicit lyrics.
Following the backlash, the makers removed the Hindi version from YouTube, though it continued to circulate across platforms. The lyricist, singer and director have also issued apologies.
'KD The Devil' is a Kannada film, dubbed in four languages, including Hindi.
