55-year-old man defrauded of ₹91 lakh through Pearlvine International online investment scheme via WhatsApp messages from Delhi, Punjab, and Hyderabad fraudsters using PhonePe, IMPS, and NEFT transfers in Haveri

Summary

A 55-year-old man from Byadagi, Haveri, was defrauded of Rs 91 lakh through an online investment scheme operated by Pearlvine International, an unrecognised entity claiming to be US-based. The victim, Hazarat Ali Babusab Halagere, received WhatsApp messages from fraudsters based in Delhi, Punjab, and Hyderabad, who persuaded him to invest in the scheme. The fraudsters promised high returns, including a claim that a $30 investment would yield Rs 32.8 lakh through an Auto Pool Income. The victim deposited funds from multiple bank accounts, including HDFC Bank, Union Bank of India, and State Bank of India, using PhonePe, IMPS, and NEFT. The fraudsters created a parallel wallet to display profits, showing up to Rs 91 lakh, but no actual withdrawals were allowed. The complaint was registered at the Cyber Economic and Narcotics Crime Police Station (CEN) in Haveri, and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating the case.