Delhi cops arrest 3 for swindling victims online with bogus companies

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Three individuals, including an employee of a private bank, have been apprehended for their involvement in a cyber fraud scheme. This criminal operation revolved around the creation of fictitious companies based on counterfeit documents, allowing the perpetrators to deceive victims through online channels, stated a report in PTI.

The suspects have been identified as Noor Mohammad (33), Manish Samson (25), who works as a sales manager at a private bank, and Dharamvir Chaddha (44), according to a statement from the police.

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The investigation was initiated following a complaint filed by Sandeep Kumar, who claimed to have been defrauded of approximately Rs three lakh. Kumar, a wholesaler of fancy furniture, had registered on an e-commerce platform to expand his business, the report stated.

In April, an individual, who identified themselves as "Firoz" and claimed to be the proprietor of a company, placed a substantial order for laptop tables and stools through the e-commerce website. The order amounted to Rs 3 lakh.

In an attempt to reassure the victim, the accused provided fake payment receipts from an e-wallet. However, when the payment was not reflected in Kumar's bank account, he visited the office address provided by the fraudsters in Sadar Bazar, only to discover that the premises were vacant, the report added.

As the investigation unfolded, the authorities were able to trace the location of Noor Mohammad. A head constable posed as a delivery agent and was dispatched to identify the suspect. Subsequently, Mohammad was arrested, marking the first breakthrough in the case.

According to the report, the complainant, Sandeep Kumar, was able to identify Noor Mohammad, who had received the delivered goods at the Sadar Bazar office. Following this identification, the police apprehended the remaining associates involved in the fraudulent operation.

During questioning, Mohammad confessed that he, along with his co-conspirators, had formed a criminal syndicate with the primary objective of deceiving wholesalers.

Interestingly, Manish Samson, employed as a manager at a private bank, played a pivotal role in the scheme. He assisted the gang by providing forged identity documents, which were then used to establish non-existent companies and open bank accounts. These fictitious companies were utilized for various transactions, including procuring SIM cards to communicate with their victims.

The investigation has so far revealed transactions totalling Rs 1.63 crore linked to three fictitious companies, with authorities currently scrutinizing the account details of additional sham businesses. During the arrest, a substantial quantity of sports equipment and household goods was seized from the suspects.