The Tardeo police have booked two alleged accused for duping an investment banker of Rs 17.90 crore under the pretext of selling him paintings of famous artists.

The investment banker approached the police to register a complaint against two people. According to the FIR, the victim met the alleged scammers socially and was introduced to one of them as a person knowledgeable about art. A friendship was then formed and ‘artsy’ conversations ensued. Soon the alleged accused ‘sold’ this man paintings bandying famous names, saying they were worth crores. Pictures of these paintings were sent to the businessman, in a bid to gain his trust.