RAJNANDGAON — A transnational cyber fraud ring, specializing in a “gift fraud” scheme, has been exposed following a careful police investigation spanning from the rural heartland of Chhattisgarh to the bustling metropolis of Delhi. Three foreign nationals—two from Nigeria and one from South Africa—were arrested for allegedly swindling multiple victims, including a woman from the city of Rajnandgaon, by promising them lavish gifts from abroad.
The Lure of an International Gift
The scam, which police say has been used to defraud numerous individuals, came to light after a victim lodged a complaint with the local Chichola police station. According to her testimony, she was befriended on social media by individuals who presented themselves as wealthy foreigners. After building a rapport, they informed her that a high-value gift, intended for her, had arrived in India but was being held by customs officials at the airport. The fraudsters then demanded a payment of Rs 1.23 lakh to clear the item from customs and have it delivered. The victim, believing the story, transferred the money, only to realize later that she had been deceived.
The Digital Trail Leads to Delhi
Upon receiving the complaint, a joint task force comprising officers from the Cyber Cell and the Chichola Police Station launched an intensive investigation. Utilizing modern forensic tools, they meticulously traced the digital footprint of the accused. The trail, which included IP addresses and mobile location data, led them to a hideout in Delhi. Acting on this crucial intelligence, the team swiftly moved in, apprehending the three suspects and bringing an end to their criminal operation.
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Seizure of Assets and Modus Operandi
During the raid, authorities seized a trove of evidence linking the trio to their fraudulent activities. The haul included two laptops, 14 mobile phones, six pen drives, five deactivated mobile devices, five ATM cards, and 32 SIM cards—all tools of the trade for modern-day scammers. Police sources revealed that the suspects were specifically targeting women, often exploiting social media platforms to identify and connect with potential victims. The promise of expensive gifts and foreign currency served as the primary bait in their well-orchestrated scheme.
A Call for Vigilance
Following the arrests, law enforcement officials have issued a public warning, urging citizens to exercise caution on social media. Rajnandgaon SP Mohit Garg emphasized the importance of remaining skeptical of unsolicited offers of foreign gifts or money, particularly from individuals one has never met in person. He advised people to report any suspicious activity immediately to prevent falling prey to similar scams.