High-Profile Influencers Accused of Promoting Fraudulent Investment App
The Delhi Police have officially summoned Bollywood actress Rhea Chakraborty, comedian Bharti Singh, and her husband Harsh Limbachiyaa as part of an investigation into a massive Rs 500 crore fraud linked to an app called HIBOX. Authorities allege that social media influencers lured investors with false promises of high returns, leading to significant financial losses for many.
Details of the HIBOX Scam
The police have revealed that HIBOX, launched in February 2024, attracted over 30,000 investors. Promoters of the app claimed to offer guaranteed returns between 1% and 5% daily, amounting to monthly returns of 30% to 90%. Allegations suggest that Chakraborty, Singh, and several other influencers used their platforms to encourage users to invest in the app, which is now under scrutiny.
The Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit has sent notices to the involved influencers, requesting their cooperation in the ongoing investigation. The main accused in this case, identified as Sivaram, a 30-year-old resident of Chennai, has already been arrested.
List of Influencers Under Investigation
In addition to Rhea Chakraborty and Bharti Singh, the investigation includes nine other social media personalities, such as Lakshay Choudhary, Adarsh Singh, Saurav Joshi, Abhishek Malhan, Purav Jha, Elvish Yadav, and Amit and Dilraj Singh Rawat. These individuals are accused of promoting the HIBOX app and misleading investors.
On Friday, several influencers, including Abhishek Malhan and Elvish Yadav, were summoned by the police but did not appear for questioning. The investigation continues as police look to gather more evidence and testimonies from those involved.
Victims and Complaints Filed
Authorities have received over 500 complaints from individuals claiming they were misled by the app’s promoters. Many victims allege they were drawn in by the promises of high returns, only to face losses. The police are actively seeking to compile a comprehensive list of victims to strengthen their case against the accused.
Concerns About Digital Investment Safet
The emergence of this scam raises significant concerns regarding the safety of investments made through digital platforms, especially when influencers are involved. As these personalities wield considerable influence over their audiences, their promotion of potentially fraudulent schemes poses risks to unsuspecting investors.
As the investigation unfolds, Rhea Chakraborty and Bharti Singh face a critical juncture that could affect their careers and public perception. The Delhi Police are urging anyone who believes they have been impacted by the HIBOX app or its promoters to come forward and share their experiences. This ongoing case highlights the necessity for greater scrutiny and accountability in the realm of digital investments.
