Sun Feb 02 12:37:27 UTC 2025: ## Kerala Priest Defrauded of ₹1.5 Crore in Online Trading Scam; Two Arrested

**Kottayam, Kerala – February 2, 2025** – Two men have been arrested in connection with a ₹1.5 crore online trading scam targeting a Christian priest in Kaduthuruthy, Kerala. Muhammed Minaj and Shamnad, both residents of Thamarassery in Kozhikode, were apprehended by the Kaduthuruthy police.

Authorities allege the suspects, part of a larger North India-based syndicate, lured the priest with promises of an 850 percent profit margin. The priest, believing the claims, borrowed heavily from friends and relatives to invest in the fraudulent scheme between November 2024 and January 15, 2025.

Police investigations revealed that the funds were transferred to bank accounts in North India. A further ₹1.40 lakh was withdrawn from ATMs across Kerala, leading to the arrest of Minaj and Shamnad. The remaining members of the syndicate are still being sought. The investigation is ongoing.

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