Vijayawada: A prominent private doctor in Guntur has reportedly lost nearly Rs 13 crore in a massive cryptocurrency investment fraud, triggering concern over the rising number of online financial scams targeting professionals and high-income individuals. Following a complaint lodged by the victim, police registered a case and launched an investigation into the cyber fraud network behind the scam.According to sources, the doctor was lured through online platforms that promised extraordinary profits through cryptocurrency trading and digital investments. Believing the scheme to be genuine, the doctor initially invested a smaller amount. Fraudsters allegedly showed fake profits and attractive returns in the online account dashboard to gain the victim’s confidence.Encouraged by the apparent profits, the doctor went on to invest heavily over time. It is also learnt that he invested not only his own money but also funds belonging to some of his close friends and associates after convincing them about the lucrative returns.However, trouble began when the doctor attempted to withdraw the money from the online platform. Though large amounts continued to appear in the account digitally, the withdrawals were repeatedly blocked or delayed. After several failed attempts and suspicious responses from the operators, the victim realised he had been cheated.Police suspect the fraud may be part of an organised cybercrime racket operating through fake cryptocurrency investment portals. Officials are now tracing the money trail, bank accounts, and digital transactions connected to the scam
