Nigerians and Women Arrested in Gurugram for Duping Hundreds Of Women via Social Media
GURUGRAM: In a recent development, the Gurugram Police have taken into custody six individuals, comprising four Nigerians and two women, on charges of defrauding numerous women through social media networks. The police investigation revealed that this gang would establish connections with young women via various social media platforms, eventually persuading them to part with their money with the assistance of the arrested women.
It all began when the police received a complaint on March 13 from a woman who claimed to have struck up a friendship with a man on social media. The man, presenting himself as a doctor residing in the United Kingdom, engaged her in conversations over the phone. On April 4, the woman unexpectedly received a call from an alleged customs official, who informed her that a consignment of gold and foreign currency had been dispatched in her name. Consequently, she was instructed to pay a tax amounting to Rs 45,000, which she promptly did. Subsequently, she ended up transferring an additional sum of Rs 8.85 lakh as supposed tax payments to the suspects.
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Disturbed by the turn of events, the woman decided to bring the matter to the attention of the police, leading to the registration of a case at the cybercrime police station A (east) in Gurugram. During the course of their investigation, the police successfully apprehended six suspects from Mohan Garden in Delhi. The arrested individuals include Samuel Ubaka Igwatu, Emmanuel Chukwudi, Anidebe Emeka Alex, Audimnobifitu Aloysis (a Nigerian national), and Wassomichon and Chanchamaliyu Panme (both residents of Manipur).
Further inquiries revealed that the Nigerian national had been residing in India illegally, with their passport and visa having already expired. In addition, the police recovered a significant amount of incriminating evidence from the possession of the suspects, including 16 mobile phones, 18 SIM cards, four laptops, six debit cards, several pen drives, three passports, and Rs 31,000 in cash.
Sharing details regarding the arrest, Priyanshu Diwan, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (cybercrime), stated, "The accused individuals employed a modus operandi involving the establishment of friendships with young women through social media. Together with the arrested women, they manipulated the victims into parting with their money."
This incident serves as a cautionary tale highlighting the potential risks associated with online interactions and the need for individuals to exercise caution while engaging with strangers on social media platforms. The Gurugram Police's swift action in apprehending the suspects and recovering substantial evidence demonstrates their commitment to tackling cybercrime and ensuring the safety of the community. It is a reminder to all to remain vigilant, verify the authenticity of online acquaintances, and report any suspicious activities to the authorities promptly.
The case will proceed through the legal system, where the accused will face the consequences of their alleged crimes. As technology continues to advance, law enforcement agencies will undoubtedly remain vigilant in their efforts to combat cybercrime and protect citizens from falling victim to such fraudulent schemes. In the meantime, it is crucial for individuals to remain aware of the potential risks associated with online interactions, thereby safeguarding themselves from becoming victims of similar scams.
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How The Scam Operates:
The scammers behind the Gurugram fraud scheme employed a clever strategy to target women through social media. They created fake profiles, masquerading as individuals with whom the victims could form a connection. They would initiate conversations and maintain regular communication with the women, gradually building trust and rapport. Once they gained the victims' confidence, their true intentions would come to light.
In this particular scam, the fraudsters enticed their victims with the promise of an extravagant gift. They would claim that the gift had encountered a problem at customs and could not be released without the payment of a tax. To make their deception seem legitimate, the scammers would often assume the identities of customs officials or lawyers, using fabricated profiles to convince the victims of the authenticity of their claims.
Once the victim had fallen for their ruse, the fraudsters would request the transfer of the tax amount to a designated bank account. However, the exploitation did not stop there. The scammers would continue to demand additional funds, fabricating various reasons such as extra taxes or courier charges. The victims, already ensnared by the web of trust they had woven, would unwittingly transfer larger sums of money, desperately hoping to receive the promised gift.
In reality, there was no gift awaiting the victims. The fraudsters had concocted an elaborate scheme to exploit their trust and extort money from them. The truth behind the scam began to unravel when one of the victims, realizing she had been deceived, bravely reported the matter to the police. This courageous action ultimately led to the arrest of the six individuals involved in perpetrating the scam.
Law enforcement agencies have stressed the importance of vigilance when using social media platforms. They encourage the public to remain alert and promptly report any suspicious activities to the authorities. The accused perpetrators have been charged under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act, signaling the serious nature of their crimes. Additionally, the police are actively investigating the potential involvement of other members within the scamming network.
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This incident serves as a reminder of the risks inherent in online interactions and the need for caution when engaging with unknown individuals on social media. It is crucial for individuals to be discerning, verify the authenticity of profiles, and exercise restraint when sharing personal information or engaging in financial transactions. By staying informed and aware, people can better protect themselves from falling victim to similar scams.
Law enforcement agencies are committed to combating cybercrime and ensuring the safety of the community. As technology continues to advance, their efforts to stay one step ahead of fraudsters and protect individuals from exploitation will remain steadfast. By working in collaboration with the public, reporting suspicious activities, and raising awareness, we can collectively fight against such fraudulent schemes and maintain a safer digital environment for everyone.
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