Navi Mumbai Businessman Scammed of ₹2.74 Crore by Online Gaming Fraud

Navi Mumbai, May 22:
A 42-year-old Navi Mumbai businessman was allegedly cheated of ₹2.74 crore by cyber scammers who convinced him to invest in an illegal online gaming website, the police said on Thursday.

The Cyber Crime Cell said in a case that was registered on May 20, the complainant, who hails from Koparkhairane, approached the police.

According to the complaint, between December 2022 and April 2025, the fraudsters approached him and influenced him to deposit a sum of ₹3.24 crore in various bank accounts associated with the gaming platform. They promised him appealing prizes and high returns for playing online games.

But as soon as he did not get the promised rewards, the businessman became suspicious. Although he was able to withdraw ₹50 lakh, the rest ₹2.74 crore was stolen by the cheats, officials confirmed.

The victim also attempted to reach out to the gaming firm directly, but his calls went in vain. The authorities have initiated an investigation and are tracking down the accounts where the money had been transferred.

Police have cautioned people to be careful regarding internet-based gaming and investment opportunities offering instant and unrealistic profits.