Jaipur: A major fraud involving fake gold and silver has been exposed in Jaipur, where a well-organised gang duped people by showing them a fake factory and promising pure silver at throwaway prices. Police have arrested two accused who allegedly cheated a victim of around ₹5 lakh, while initial findings indicate a wider network operating beyond the city.
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Fake Factory Used to Win Victim’s Trust
According to investigators, the case surfaced after a complaint was filed on May 3 by Harish Kumar Meena. He stated that he was introduced to the main accused through a middleman, after which he came in contact with Ahmedabad-based Mehboob Sheikh. The accused posed as a skilled artisan involved in silver manufacturing and claimed he could supply high-quality metal at rates far lower than the market price.
To build credibility, the accused repeatedly invited the victim to a so-called “factory,” where they demonstrated the process of making silver. During these visits, fake metal was allegedly presented as genuine, creating an illusion of authenticity. Investigators say this staged setup played a crucial role in convincing the victim that he was dealing with a genuine supplier.
Discounted Silver Deal Ends in ₹5 Lakh Fraud
The fraud was carefully executed in stages. First, the victim was shown the fake production process in a controlled environment resembling a real workshop. Once trust was established, the accused offered bulk silver at discounted rates, claiming it was directly sourced and hence cheaper. Believing the deal to be legitimate, the victim handed over approximately ₹5 lakh, only to later realise that he had been cheated.
After the complaint was registered, police initiated a swift operation and raided the suspects’ rented premises in Jaipur. However, by the time the team reached the location, the accused had already fled. Authorities then relied on technical surveillance and mobile tracking to trace their movement. Following sustained efforts, both accused were detained from Ahmedabad and brought back to Jaipur, where they were formally arrested.
Cash, Fake Metal Equipment and Forged Seals Recovered
The arrested individuals have been identified as Mehboob Sheikh, 39, and Ibrahim Chhipa, both residents of Ahmedabad. Police recovered ₹4.50 lakh in cash from their possession, along with equipment used to manufacture fake gold and silver, forged seals, and other incriminating materials. These recoveries indicate that the operation was not a one-off incident but part of a systematic fraud model.
During interrogation, it emerged that the accused had been involved in similar activities for a considerable period and may have targeted multiple victims. Investigators suspect that the gang could have links in other cities as well, prompting an expansion of the probe. Authorities are now analysing their contacts, financial trails, and communication records to identify additional accomplices.
Such scams rely heavily on psychological manipulation. Fraudsters first gain the victim’s trust through demonstrations and controlled environments, then exploit the lure of high returns or low prices. By replicating real industrial setups, they create a convincing narrative that often misleads even cautious individuals.
