Assam online trading scam: CBI arrests primary accused Gopal Paul

CBI has me a fresh arrest in Rs 2,200 crore online trading scam in Assam, officials said on Friday.

Accused Gopal Paul was arrested from a hideout in Siliguri in connection with AJRS Marketing case, one of 41 cases related to scam being investigated by the agency, a CBI spokesperson said in a statement.

" Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken over the investigation of 41 cases in Assam concerning various unregulated deposit schemes, following a recommendation by the government of Assam," the spokesperson said.

The investigation was earlier carried out by Assam Police which had already arrested prime actors in the case. Paul remained absconding.

"Since taking charge, CBI has accelerated its probe, conducting fresh searches across 92 locations in five states. se searches have led to the seizure of 24 mobile phones,18 desktops, seven hard drives, and 11 laptops," the statement said.

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The agency has successfully traced databases containing details of depositors who were deceived into investing in unregulated deposit schemes.

"In one particular case involving AJRS Marketing Pvt. Ltd., CBI has apprehended the primary accused, who has been evading authorities since registration of FIR. He was located at a hideout in Siliguri, where incriminating evidence was also recovered," the spokesperson said.

Online trading scam in the state came to light in the last week of August when investors, who had put in huge amounts of money in the stock company of 29-year-old Deepankar Barman, alleged that he had not paid m due returns and his office had been closed since August 21.

state police h arrested Barman, Bishal Phukan, actor Sumi Bora and her husband among ors. Around 18 people have been arrested in the case so far, officials said.