Three Zimbabweans Arrested for Investment Fraud in India

Kolkata Police arrested three Zimbabwean nationals for allegedly defrauding a local resident out of more than ₹1 crore in an investment scam involving kola nuts. The suspects used fake identities and claimed lucrative opportunities tied to the kola nut market. Following a police complaint, a major investigation led to their capture in Mohali, with several items seized during the arrest.

Three Zimbabwean nationals were apprehended by Kolkata Police for their alleged involvement in a significant investment fraud case. The arrested individuals—Tinashe Gadzikwa Praise, Malvern Matungamire, and Nyamhunga Lenon Kudakwashe—aged 22, 25, and 23 respectively—were taken into custody from different apartments in Mohali’s Kharar on Saturday. According to authorities, they are accused of duping a local resident, Sandip Guha, out of more than ₹1 crore.

Officials reported that the three men lured Guha into investing in kola nut trading, promising extraordinary returns. They created fake email addresses, WhatsApp accounts, and even impersonated officials from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and a UK-based pharmaceutical company to enhance their credibility. The kola nut, known for its caffeine content, is sourced from trees found in Africa’s tropical rainforests.

The suspects misled Guha into believing that investing in kola nuts was a lucrative opportunity due to an increasing global demand in the pharmaceutical sector. They asserted that greater investments would yield larger profits, even suggesting that WHO was exploring the health benefits of kola nuts. However, upon sending ₹1 crore into their accounts, Guha lost contact with the trio, prompting him to suspect he had been swindled.

Realizing his investments were fraudulent, Guha reported the incident to the police on May 20. Following his complaint, the cyber police initiated an investigation under the Information Technology Act. Officers soon started tracing the financial transactions involved.

With evidence gathering underway, investigations led officials to locate the suspects in Punjab. Subsequently, a team from Kolkata Police was dispatched. Their efforts culminated in the arrest of the three Zimbabweans, during which investigators seized six mobile phones, a laptop, and various bank documents connected to the fraudulent operation.

In conclusion, the arrest of the three Zimbabwean men highlights the ongoing issue of investment fraud, particularly in the context of foreign nationals targeting individuals for financial scams. The use of sophisticated tactics, including impersonation of reputable organizations like the WHO, underscores the need for vigilance amongst potential investors. The authorities are taking action, but instances like this remind the public to be cautious with their investments.

Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com