Ratnagiri: A major cyber fraud case has come to light in Ratnagiri amid rising incidents of online scams on social media and digital platforms. A resident of Udyamnagar area was cheated of a total of ₹22,21,400 by being trapped in a foreign friendship and financial assistance scam. It is alleged that UK national Tiago Foura and a woman claiming to be a Delhi immigration officer named Priya Sharma jointly executed the conspiracy. Ratnagiri city police have started an investigation into the matter.
Contact Through an Online Platform
According to information, Salil Abdul Qadir Kazi, a resident of Padvekar Colony in Udyamnagar, came in contact with a person named Tiago Foura through an online website. The interaction continued between 22 July 2025 and 27 January 2026. It is alleged that the accused gradually built trust and then initiated financial transactions by convincing the victim to send money under the pretext of help.
It is reported that the accused claimed to be a resident of the United Kingdom and said that he possessed around 60,000 UK pounds and gold assets that were allegedly seized by the Delhi immigration department. The victim was told that immediate financial assistance was required to convert the amount into Indian currency and to resolve supposed legal complications.
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Impersonation of Immigration Officer
A woman named Priya Sharma contacted the victim claiming to be an officer from the passport and immigration office in Delhi. It is alleged that the duo created fear of fake government procedures and pressured the victim to transfer money while continuing communication to maintain trust.
Multiple Transactions From Bank Accounts
Believing the assurance that the money would be returned soon, Kazi transferred ₹22,21,400 to the accused accounts through several transactions from his ICICI and HSBC bank accounts.
However, the money was not returned even after the promised period, and contact with the accused was lost. The victim then suspected fraud and filed a complaint with the police, following which the Ratnagiri city police started an investigation.
Case Registered and Investigation Underway
Police have registered a case against the accused under Indian Penal Code sections 318(4), 3(5), and Information Technology Act 2000 section 66(5). The investigation is also examining the possible role of an overseas cyber fraud network operating from abroad.
Investigating agencies said that in such cases, fraudsters first establish online friendship through digital platforms and then impersonate foreign citizens or government officials. They later cheat victims by creating fear of financial crisis or legal action.
Cybersecurity experts have advised people to remain cautious while interacting with unknown persons on social media and verify any financial transaction before making payments. People should avoid trusting suspicious messages, calls, or offers and should not share personal information.
Officials said that cyber fraud gangs operating from abroad are increasingly using advanced technology. Awareness and caution remain the most effective ways to avoid such frauds. Police are also trying to identify other possible accused and recover the cheated amount.
