Herbal Oil Investment Scam: Trader Duped Of Rs 54 Lakh In Ahmedabad

AHMEDABAD: A trader from Ahmedabad was duped of Rs 54.70 lakh allegedly by a London based woman. The businessman from Odhav area in Ahmedabad filed a complaint with a cyber cell complaining that a woman who claimed she was from London cheated him of Rs 54.70 lakh on the pretext of business opportunity.

The complainant – Arun Sundaria, 34-year-old, runs an import-export business and is also involved in the manufacturing and trading of papers in Kathwada GIDC. He informed the police that the accused called him on March 2, 2021 and introduced herself as Maria Walter. 

She told him that she was working with a pharmaceutical firm in the UK. Her company was involved in importing herbal oil which is used as a pain reliever for arthritis.

She said that the company would buy herbal oil from him for $4000 if he agrees to invest in the business. Because the previous importers have cut ties with her firm, she wanted Sundaria to become the new partner. She told Sundaria to coordinate with her associate Rakesh Kumar who was in Delhi.

To check the product, Sundaria told Rakesh Kumar to deliver 20ml of herbal oil which he sent to Walter’s firm for which Sundaria was given $400. Satisfied with the deal, Sundaria began further business with Walter. As per the instructions given by Walter, the victim got in touch with Rakesh Kumar and paid Rs 52.70 lakh for the month of March and gave bulk orders to get oil which he could sell to Walter’s firm.

Soon after receiving the money from Sundaria, both Walter and Kumar cut the contacts with him. After inquiring he came to know that the duo duped him. He went to the cybercrime police and filed a case of cheating and breach of trust.