Five Nigerians among 8 held for cheating bizman of Rs 21L

NAVI MUMBAI: Navi Mumbai police have arrested eight people, including five Nigerians, for allegedly duping a businessman of Rs21.65 lakh. The complainant was lured into ordering seeds that supposedly boost libido.

The arrests were made following a complaint by Sameer Nagda, 46, a resident of Ghatkopar. Deputy commissioner of police (zone I) Shahji Umap said, “Nagda had befriended two persons who called themselves Priti Anderson and Favour Bright on Facebook. They told him that they were in the business of selling rare seeds which they bought from one Rajesh Sharma, 22.”

He said, “They told Nagda that since they were in London, he should meet Sharma and purchase the seeds from him and deliver to them as they did not have good relations with him anymore. They offered to share the sale proceeds with Nagda.”

Nagda contacted Sharma. He then deposited Rs1.65 lakh in the bank account, which Sharma

told him about, for the delivery of the seeds. Sharma delivered a packet of the seeds to Nagda.

Umap said, “Bright told Nagda that they would need more consignment.” Sharma sent one Raju, 32, with the details of the bank account, into which Nagda deposited Rs20 lakh.

Umap said, “When Nagda did not get the delivery of the seeds for two days, he contacted Sharma. Sharma demanded Rs3 lakh more.”

Nagda got suspicious, and informed the police. Vashi police led by senior police inspector Ajay Landge laid a trap near Raghuleela mall on Monday.

Umap said, “Raju realised that there was a trap and fled.”

The police with the help of one more victim from Thane, managed to arrest 8 accused in the case. The police have recovered Rs7.5 lakh, a laptop and a mobile phone, collectively worth Rs 8.05 lakh, from the accused.

BACHCHAN KUMAR Police officers display the cash, mobile phone and laptops sezied from the eight accused.