Mumbai: Two arrested for duping senior citizen of Rs 12.84 lakh with Covid-19 vaccine raw material deal

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Central Region Cyber Police station has arrested a Nigerian national and one Indian for allegedly duping a senior citizen for 12.84 lakh rupees on pretext of Covid-19 vaccine raw material deal. The fraudsters posing as a London based company in need of raw material from India assured the senior citizen 60% commission.

The accused are identified as Muzzamil Nisar Pawaskar (26), Patrick Eneugwe Chukulube (34) and were arrested from Kharghar and Panvel.

The 65-year-old businessman, a resident of Mahim was approached by a person through a mail on October 2021. The imposter claimed he is from a London based company named Iconic Pharmaceutical and Manufacturing. He also claimed that they are into production of Covid-19 vaccine and are looking for a partner who can supply raw material. Ken also assured 60% commission on the business.

The businessman fell prey to the seemingly attractive fraudulent scheme and paid Rs. 12.84 lakh in different accounts on October 7, later, to find out he was conned. He rushed to the Mahim Police station where his complaint was registered with Central Region Cyber Police station on October 27. Senior Inspector Sanjay Govilkar formed a team under the leadership of Inspector Rahul Khataokar and police sub Inspector Nilesh Hembade.

"After technical analysis, cyber cops have found out that the fraudsters are living in Navi Mumbai. With the help of Navi Mumbai Police, 2 persons were nabbed by cyber cops, one of whom is a Nigerian national", told PSI Nilesh Hembade. "9 mobile phones, 2 sim cards and 1 fake passport have been seized," he added.

Preliminary investigation has revealed that many offences have been registered against them in other states as well.