A 61-year-old online trader from Anna Nagar, F Edwin, was abducted and assaulted on Friday following a failed Rs1,000 crore overseas donation deal he helped facilitate. The incident, which initially seemed like a random act of violence, led to the discovery of a suspected scam and the subsequent arrest of N Ameenuddin, one of the key accused.
Edwin was targeted after connecting his Dubai-based friend, Saptharishi Banerjee, with a Chennai-based trust. Banerjee, claiming he could arrange a Rs1,000 crore donation to an Indian trust, asked Edwin in February if he knew any local trusts that could accept such a large sum. Edwin introduced Banerjee to N Ameenuddin Mohammed, 32, from Velachery, who then connected him with Vaishnavi, the head of a trust named Dhanvantri, and another associate, Moinudeen.
The Scam UnravelsAfter meeting in Dubai, Banerjee told Vaishnavi, Moinudeen, and Ameenuddin that a private company was ready to transfer the funds but would require a commission of Rs35 lakh. Believing the claim, Ameenuddin transferred the money to Banerjee. However, by March, the promised donation failed to materialize, and Ameenuddin began pressuring Edwin for answers.
On Friday, Ameenuddin lured Edwin to Anna Nagar, abducted him, and drove him to Ambattur. There, Ameenuddin allegedly called Edwin’s wife, Ashley, demanding gold jewellery and blank cheques. Edwin was assaulted and threatened, with the gang insisting on the return of the Rs35 lakh. They also warned of severe consequences, including the seizure of property documents and valuables.
Before fleeing, the group allegedly took Rs25,000 in cash and five sovereigns of gold jewellery worth more than Rs3 lakh from Ashley. The couple was then dropped off at a lodge in Ambattur.
Based on the couple’s complaint, the Anna Nagar police arrested N Ameenuddin on Saturday. He was remanded in judicial custody. Investigations into the case are ongoing as the police continue to probe the scam and other involved individuals.
This troubling incident sheds light on the dangers of fraudulent schemes and the lengths to which criminals will go to exploit trust for financial gain.
