New Delhi, 09 June (H.S.): The Delhi High Court has rejected the anticipatory bail application of an accused in a cyber fraud case involving cryptocurrency transactions worth ₹10 million. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma passed the order dismissing the plea.

Rejecting the application filed by accused Gaurav, the court observed that the case prima facie appeared to involve cyber fraud. It held that custodial interrogation of the accused was necessary for a proper investigation.

According to the complaint, the accused met the complainant in 2024 through a mutual acquaintance. Gaurav allegedly requested the complainant to provide digital currency worth ₹10 million. Initially, the complainant declined the request. However, after repeated persuasion and assurances of attractive investment opportunities, the complainant transferred cryptocurrency equivalent to ₹10 million in US dollars to the accused’s digital wallet.

Delhi Police registered an FIR in the case in 2025, invoking charges of cheating and criminal conspiracy. During the hearing, the accused claimed that he had been falsely implicated. He argued that he had merely acted as an intermediary between his associate and the complainant and had fully cooperated with the investigation.

The High Court, however, observed that mere cooperation with the investigation does not automatically entitle an accused to anticipatory bail. The court noted that only custodial interrogation could help investigators identify all individuals involved in the alleged crime and determine the extent and depth of the criminal network.

The court further observed that co-accused persons had allegedly communicated through WhatsApp and VPN-based channels to conceal their identities and locations. In view of these circumstances, the court held that the accused was not entitled to the relief of anticipatory bail.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar