Mumbai businessman duped of Rs 68 lakhs in Apple mobile phone scam

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A Malad-based businessman, dealing in corporate gifting, was allegedly duped of approximately Rs 68 lakhs by two persons who promised to provide him with 110 Apple mobile phones at a lower cost.

The police sources said that the 40-year-old businessman, identified as Shamsher Hashmi, was approached by the accused persons--Nareshkumar Sahu and Subrato Mohanti--who claimed to be owners of 'Suchitra Mobile company' in December 2023. They offered to supply the Apple phones at a competitive price, convincing him of their legitimacy.

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Hashmi, a resident of Chincholi Bunder who has been in the business for years, was persuaded by the duo's assurances of a tie-up with Apple. He ordered 110 phones worth Rs 68 lakhs and transferred Rs 40 lakhs to the accused between December 2023 and March 1, 2024. However, they later disappeared without supplying the phones or returning the money taken thus far.

After repeated attempts to contact the accused failed, Hashmi realised he had been defrauded and filed a complaint with the Bangur Nagar police station.

An FIR has been registered under sections 406, 420, and 34 of the Indian Penal Code. "We have summoned the duo to cooperate with the investigation, but they have not responded or appeared before the investigating officer," said an officer involved in the case.