In a high-profile operation, Kolkata Police’s cyber cell apprehended three Zimbabwean nationals from Mohali, Punjab, for orchestrating a sophisticated cyber fraud that duped a senior pharmaceutical official of over Rs 1.1 crore.
The accused — Tinashe Gadzikkwa Praise (22), Malvern Matumgamire (25), and Nyamhunga Lenon Kudakwashe (23) — were arrested from separate locations in Mohali’s Kharar area early Saturday after a brief chase involving Kolkata and Punjab police forces. The arrests followed a complaint lodged in May by Sandip Guha, a 53-year-old resident of New Town.
The fraudsters crafted fake email IDs and forged documents featuring the letterhead of a leading UK pharmaceutical firm and the World Health Organization to lure Guha into investing in a kola nut trading scheme. Kola nut is an ingredient used in medications for treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
The scammers extended their communication to WhatsApp, using multiple international numbers, mostly from the UK. They introduced Guha to purported kola nut sellers from Northeast India, building trust by delivering small quantities initially.
Convinced by the authenticity and professionalism of the scheme, Guha transferred Rs 1,10,41,250 through various RTGS transactions to multiple Indian bank accounts over a two-week period.
Joint CP (Crime & Traffic) Rupesh Kumar stated that the accused had rented a flat in Mohali’s Golf Link area. Authorities seized six mobile phones, a laptop, bank documents, and other evidence during the operation. The trio will be produced before the jurisdictional court for transit remand.
“This arrest exposes an international cyber fraud ring operating from Indian soil,” said Kumar. Investigations are ongoing to uncover links to other similar cases nationwide. The accused are expected to be brought to Kolkata for further probe, with more arrests anticipated. The case has been registered under the Information Technology Act and relevant sections of the BNS related to fraud and impersonation.
