Thiruvananthapuram: A 55-year-old doctor from Sreevaraham has reportedly fallen victim to an elaborate fraud involving fake e-cigarette distribution licenses. The doctor, who also runs a logistics business in Dubai, lost Rs 17 crore to two individuals posing as directors of a Dubai-based e-cigarette company.
The Scam
The fraud unfolded in mid-2020, when the accused convinced the doctor to invest in exchange for a distribution license. Over a period of six months, from June to December 2020, the doctor transferred funds in phases. Despite his substantial investment, the promised license never materialized.
In 2022, the accused allegedly attempted to settle by offering the doctor a property in India, but the arrangement failed. Left with no alternative, the doctor approached the Chief Minister’s Office. The case was subsequently forwarded to the state police chief and city police commissioner, leading to the registration of an FIR under IPC Sections 406 (criminal breach of trust) and 420 (cheating).
Fraud Amount and Accused
The doctor revealed that this scam may have victimized others as well, with fraud totaling approximately Rs 200 crore. He claimed the accused have cases registered in multiple districts and used the defrauded money to acquire properties worth crores in India.
Challenges in Investigation
The police acknowledged the complexity of the investigation, as the transactions occurred in Dubai and the firm involved has no direct links in India. “We are exploring all possible methods to proceed with the case,” an investigating officer stated.
The incident underscores the growing prevalence of sophisticated cross-border fraud schemes and highlights the need for stringent measures to prevent such scams.
