Kolkata: Businessman Pawan Ruia was arrested by the Cyber Crime Wing (CCW) of Bengal Police on Tuesday afternoon in connection with a large organised interstate investment fraud racket. The arrest took place around 4.45 pm in front of Westin Hotel in New Town, shortly after Calcutta High Court vacated a previous order that granted protection from coercive action to Ruia and his family members, the CCW stated in a note issued in the evening.The investigation stems from a case registered at Bidhannagar Cyber Crime Police Station, involving charges of cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy.The probe was initiated following a complaint by Swapan Kumar Mondal, a senior citizen residing within the Eco Park Police Station limits, who alleged he was defrauded of Rs 93 lakh after being induced to install a mobile application named “KKRMF.apk” under the false promise of high investment returns.Police said technical surveillance revealed the cheated funds were siphoned through a complex web of shell companies and corporate current accounts. Investigators traced the operation of these accounts to the Ruia Center at Syed Amir Ali Avenue.The scope of the fraud extends far beyond a single victim. Data from the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) has linked the accused and his associates to 1,379 cyber fraud cases across the country. The racket reportedly utilised cryptocurrency extensively to mask illegal activities and launder the proceeds to various foreign destinations.The Ruias have categorically denied the charges against them and have moved the courts to place their case.Only hours before the arrest, Calcutta High Court vacated the interim order of no coercive step against Raghav and Pawan Ruia. The state submitted before Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya that two criminal cases are pending against the duo. The interim order was granted on Dec 31, 2025 by Justice Biswaroop Chowdhury, who had directed the state to inform the duo of the number of cases pending. The interim order was extended multiple times in between. Inspector of Police, CCW, New Town, had informed the duo on Jan 14 that two criminal proceedings were pending against them — Barrackpore Cyber Crime PS, Nov 5, 2025 and Bidhannagar Cyber Crime PS, April 3, 2024. Justice Bhattacharyya noted the duo obtained anticipatory bail in connection with criminal prosecution in the Barrackpore case. This order has been assailed before the apex court. Cops said the fresh arrest came in the Bidhannagar case.In 2016, Ruia was arrested by Bengal CID in connection with a case involving theft of railway equipment from the Jessop factory. Ruia spent 84 days in judicial custody and another 42 days in police custody in 2016, pertaining to three separate cases.
