Pune: Transporter From Kondhwa Arrested In Connection With Rs 1.4 Crore Cyber Fraud
Pune: Transporter From Kondhwa Arrested In Connection With Rs 1.4 Crore Cyber Fraud
In a significant development, the Nigdi police have arrested 40-year-old transporter Sandeep Hanchate from Kondhwa in connection with a massive Rs 1.4 crore parcel fraud. The scheme, which targeted a Nigdi resident, unfolded between April 2 and 20. The primary suspect behind the fraud remains at large.
According to police sources, the 54-year-old victim, a former employee of a private company, was contacted on April 4 by an individual pretending to be a courier company executive. The caller falsely claimed that a parcel in the victim’s name, containing illegal drugs, had been intercepted by Mumbai customs. The victim was then directed to a fake Mumbai police officer via a video call.
Under the pretense of a legal investigation, the impersonator pressured the victim to provide his bank details and transfer funds to a specified account for verification, promising a return of the funds afterward. The victim, depleting his savings and taking out a loan, transferred a total of Rs 1.4 crore.
Investigations revealed that Rs 35 lakh of the embezzled amount was deposited into Hanchate’s bank account. Hanchate is accused of allowing his account to be used by the fraudsters and receiving a commission in return. Inspector Tejaswini Kadam stated, “Hanchate has been arrested and remanded in police custody for three days. We are continuing our efforts to track down other individuals involved in the scam.”
