A Hyderabad-based businessman has alleged that he lost Rs 5.56 crore after being lured into a fraudulent scheme that promised student stipends, internships and government-backed cybersecurity training programmes. The Central Crime Station (CCS) police have launched an investigation into the case.
The complainant, Datti Nalini Kumar, Director of Tech Fair Technologies Private Limited and a resident of Attapur, approached the CCS police after discovering that the operation was allegedly fraudulent.
According to investigators, Kumar was introduced to KVN Prameel Arjun through a mutual acquaintance, Aditya Ram. Police said Prameel identified himself as the Director and South Regional Head of the National Information and Cyber Security Council, claiming that the organisation operated under the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
To establish credibility, the accused allegedly showcased videos of certificate distribution events, media reports, public speeches and a professionally designed website. Police said he also claimed that the organisation had partnerships with institutions such as Delhi Police and SBI, creating the impression that the initiative was legitimate.
Investigators stated that Prameel promoted cybersecurity training programmes that offered students internships and certificates upon completion. He allegedly claimed that students would receive government stipends after 6 months by paying subscription fees.
Police further said that Tech Fair Technologies was offered an opportunity to become a Centre of Excellence for the programme by paying a partnership fee of Rs 1 crore. The accused allegedly stated that students would pay Rs 5,000 for cybersecurity training and Rs 2,000 for login credentials, while the company could collect up to Rs 15,000 per student.
According to investigators, Prameel also promised government funding of Rs 2 crore for setting up cybersecurity training laboratories, presenting the initiative as an officially supported and profitable venture.
Believing the claims, Kumar reportedly transferred Rs 5.56 crore through multiple transactions to bank accounts linked to the National Information and Cyber Security Council and Pricus Private Limited. Police said he also invested nearly Rs 3 crore in establishing Centre of Excellence offices in Hyderabad and Bengaluru, along with trainer salaries and operational expenses.
The alleged fraud came to light after none of the promised benefits, government support or training outcomes materialised. Following the complaint, CCS police registered a case and initiated an investigation. Authorities are currently examining the financial transactions and claims associated with the scheme.
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