Three Zimbabweans Arrested for Investment Fraud in India

Three Zimbabweans were arrested in India for allegedly defrauding a local resident of over ₹1 crore through a false kola nut investment scheme, creating fake identities to lure in victims. Following the victim’s complaint, police launched an investigation and seized multiple electronic devices from the suspects.

Authorities in India have apprehended three individuals from Zimbabwe following an alleged investment fraud that deceived a local resident for over ₹1 crore. The arrests took place on Saturday in Mohali’s Kharar area of Punjab. The suspects – 22-year-old Tinashe Gadzikwa Praise, 25-year-old Malvern Matungamire, and 23-year-old Nyamhunga Lenon Kudakwashe – were reported to have been residing in different apartments in the region.

The trio reportedly convinced Sandip Guha, a resident of Tollygunge, to invest in kola nuts, touting high returns tied to the global demand in the pharmaceutical sector. To bolster their claims, they created various fraudulent identities, including fake email addresses and WhatsApp accounts, while even impersonating officials from the World Health Organization (WHO) and a UK-based pharmaceutical company. This deceitful strategy was aimed at securing Guha’s investment.

Kola nuts, known for their high caffeine content, are harvested from kola trees found predominantly in the tropical rainforests of Africa. As part of their ploy, the individuals asserted that investing in kola nuts was not just timely but a lucrative opportunity, emphasizing the health benefits recognized by organizations like the WHO.

Unfortunately for Guha, after he transferred the substantial sum of ₹1 crore to the bank accounts controlled by the suspects, they vanished and became unreachable. It was only after this that Guha realized he had fallen victim to a scam, prompting him to file a complaint with authorities on May 20.

In response to Guha’s allegations, a case was registered at the cyber police station under the Information Technology Act, leading to an investigation. Detectives traced the financial transactions and meticulously followed the money trail. Senior police officials reported that the suspects were located in Punjab, prompting a dedicated team from Kolkata Police to intercept them.

Upon their arrest, law enforcement seized six mobile phones, a laptop, and various bank documents from the trio’s possession, further indicating the scale and method of their fraudulent activities. The investigation is ongoing, as authorities work to uncover any additional victims and the full extent of the scam.

In summary, the arrest of these three Zimbabwean nationals highlights a concerning trend of international investment fraud, leveraging false claims about lucrative opportunities. The prompt action taken by both the victim and law enforcement has led to significant developments in this case, underscoring the importance of vigilance in investment ventures. Authorities continue to investigate to ensure no more victims fall prey to such schemes.

Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com