KOCHI: The police have extended its investigation into the financial transactions of BT Priyanka (30), a native of Malayinkeezhu in Thiruvananthapuram, who was arrested in the case of trading fraud worth crores under the guise of a paper company. Priyanka was arrested by the Kozhikode Thiruvambady police while she was on anticipatory bail in a case registered by the Kadavanthra police. The arrest was made on the complaint of a merchant navy officer from Kozhikode.

Apart from Thiruvambady, Priyanka is also an accused in fraud cases registered at Varkala and Kilimanoor stations. Priyanka's mother Thankamani and her brother Rajeev are co-accused in the case registered at Thiruvambady station. Rajeev is a co-accused in the case registered at Kadavanthra station as well. Both Thankamani and Rajeev are absconding. Priyanka used to accept investments from people after convincing them that she ran an organization called Trade Coopers in Kadavanthra. She had promised them 21 percent profit. She had also cheated the friends of the merchant navy officer.

Investigating officer SI Aravindakshan said that as per the complaint filed at the Thiruvambady station alone, Priyanka had swindled more than 25 lakh rupees. The police are investigating whether the accused committed more fraud through the institution which has no approval from SEBI. The officials have started collecting information regarding her bank transactions. The swindled money was also transferred to Rajeev's account.

Priyanka used to attract people by advertising through social media. Initially, she would accept small amounts for trading by making promises. By giving a large profit in this, she would attract people to invest more money. This is how she carried out the fraud.

Meanwhile, Priyanka told the police that she was cheated by another person who did not return the investment money handed over by her. However, the investigation team has not taken this at face value. The police have filed an application seeking the custody of the accused.

Detailed investigation into Trade Coopers
The Kadavanthra police have launched a detailed investigation into the fraud firm Trade Coopers. The move comes as a case has been filed against Priyanka for a similar offence at various stations. The Kadavanthra police have registered a case on the complaint lodged by a native of Karumalloor. Priyanka had earlier obtained anticipatory bail in this case.