Ahmedabad | A businessman from Ahmedabad has alleged that he and his associate were cheated of ₹48.64 lakh in a fraudulent China import deal promoted through an online advertisement. Police have registered a cheating case against a Surat-based man after the complaint, and an investigation has been initiated.
According to the complaint filed at Bapunagar Police Station, the accused has been identified as Krinal Bhojak, a resident of Adajan in Surat. The complainant, Ravi Dobariya, originally from Amreli and currently residing in Nikol, runs a business involved in manufacturing machine structures and steel spare parts.
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Police said the fraud began around seven to eight months ago when Dobariya came across an online advertisement claiming that industrial raw materials could be imported directly from China at highly competitive prices. The advertisement allegedly promised low-cost procurement of stainless steel coils and sheet metal for business use.
Intrigued by the offer, the complainant contacted the number provided in the advertisement and was introduced to the accused. During discussions, Dobariya expressed his requirement for steel-based raw materials, following which the accused assured him that the goods could be sourced from China at significantly reduced prices.
Based on these assurances, the complainant later informed a business associate, and both decided to place a joint order. Meetings were held between the parties, after which an agreement was reportedly reached for importing raw materials worth ₹48.64 lakh.
The complainant alleged that the payment was made in multiple instalments between October 2025 and subsequent months. However, despite full payment, neither the promised materials were delivered nor was the amount refunded.
After repeated follow-ups over several months, the complainant claimed that he received no satisfactory response from the accused. Eventually, he approached the police after realizing that the entire transaction appeared to be fraudulent.
Officials stated that the case involves a classic pattern of online business fraud, where victims are lured through attractive advertisements promising international sourcing at unusually low prices. Once trust is established, advance payments are collected, followed by disappearance or delay tactics.
Police added that the accused allegedly maintained communication during the initial phase of the deal to build credibility, but later stopped responding once the full payment was received. Investigators believe that similar complaints may exist and are verifying whether other traders were also targeted using the same modus operandi.
Preliminary investigation suggests that the accused may have used online platforms and digital marketing channels to circulate such advertisements, targeting small and medium-scale business owners looking for cheaper raw material procurement options.
Authorities are now tracking financial transactions and communication records to determine the flow of money and identify whether additional individuals are involved in the alleged scam. Efforts are also underway to locate the accused and recover the cheated amount.
Cyber and economic offence experts have cautioned businesses to exercise extreme caution while dealing with unknown suppliers found through online advertisements. They emphasized that verification of company registration, physical existence, and trade credentials is essential before transferring large sums of money.
Officials further noted that such scams typically exploit cost-sensitive business decisions, where victims are influenced by significantly lower pricing compared to market rates. This psychological pressure often leads to rushed payments without adequate verification.
Police have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and further legal action will be taken based on the evidence collected. They also indicated that digital footprints, bank account details, and call records will play a key role in tracing the full network behind the alleged fraud.
Authorities have urged traders and business owners to report suspicious offers immediately and avoid making advance payments without verified contracts and reliable documentation.
