Srinagar, July 27: Cyber Police Kashmir Zone have arrested two Nigerian fraudsters from New Delhi involved in duping a man from Baramulla of Rs 36.35 lacs in an online scam.

“Police received a written application from a resident of Baramulla alleging therein that while surfing Facebook, he came in contact with some unknown fake Facebook user T.Jessica, who impersonated as a purchase manager of a renowned pharmaceutical company Abbott,” a police spokesperson said in a statement.

“The lady enticed the complainant through Facebook messages that she has been promoted as Secretary in the company and eventually asked the complainant to start a business of (Kandu Nut/Palm Seeds/Sea Nuts).”

The complainant, he said, was convinced/motivated by using fake offers, orders, high returns and emails etc to purchase the product.

In order to purchase the product, the spokesperson said, the Facebook user forwarded the contact details of one seller namely Mrs. Jyoti T Kandu to the complainant. “A business conversation started between the complainant and the fraudster Mrs. Jyoti for selling/buying of the Kandu nuts,” he said, adding, “The complainant was assured by the fraudster that the nuts are valuing very high in the pharmaceutical market owing to their medicinal benefits.” The complainant, he said, without knowing the plot behind the fraud invested a hefty amount of Rs 36.35 lacs by transferring the amount in different bank accounts of fraudsters for purchasing 50 packets of Kandu Nuts.

On receiving the consignment of 50 packets of Kandu nuts , he said, the complainant received a fake call from Mumbai Custom office wherein the complainant was directed to deposit more money in order to be able to sell the Kandu Nuts to pharmaceutical companies. “This created doubt in the mind of complainant. The complainant then tried to contact on the provided contact details in order to verify the facts, however he did not got any response and felt cheated/duped by the Facebook user.”

The complainant then approached Cyber Police Station Kashmir Zone Srinagar and lodged a complaint.

Accordingly, a case (FIR No. 23/2022) under relevant sections of law was registered in Cyber Police Station Srinagar and investigation was set into motion, the spokesperson said.

“During the course of investigation, it was found that the fraud has been done by the fraudsters under a highly technically built setup and accordingly the digital footprints of the accused persons involved in the commission of offence were tracked by analysis of bank accounts that have been used for siphoning money of the complainant,” he said, adding, “Besides, CCTV footages and analysis of suspect phone numbers by employing high-end technical investigative skills was also carried out.”

Subsequently, two Nigerians were found involved in the offences and were tracked at Vashist Park Sagerpur New Delhi, police station Sagerpur.

“Accordingly, on the directions of ADGP Kashmir Zone Vijay Kumar a special team of Cyber Police Station Srinagar proceeded to New Delhi. After strenuous efforts and with the assistance of Delhi Police, the team was successful in nabbing these two Nigerians national culprits namely Isioma Steven son of Alika and Collins son of Onwudengor residents of Delta Agbor Nigeria A/P Vashist Park Sagerpur New Delhi.”

The rented accommodation was raided and thoroughly searched and during searches incriminating material including 14 cell phones of different make and models, one laptop, 14 SIM cards, one Wi-Fi router, one Wi-Fi dongle, six debit/credit cards and 45 packs of Kondu nuts/palm nuts were recovered from their possession.

“Investigation into the instant case is going on in full swing. More recoveries and arrests are expected,” he said, adding, “General public is once again advised to remain cautious and not fall prey to fraudsters/scammers offering various benefits/deals. In order to report any such Cyber fraud call to Cyber Police Srinagar, please feel free to contact on 9596770555 or dial National Cyber reporting toll free Number 1930.”