Srinagar, Dec 24 : The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch Kashmir on Wednesday said it has filed a chargesheet in the case involving a sophisticated rupees 26.25 lakh online impersonation scam.
As per a statement, issued the KNS, the chargesheet, filed before the Court of Judge Small Causes, Srinagar, pertains to FIR No. 17/2020, under Sections 419, 420, 468, 471 of the RPC and Section 66-D of the Information Technology Act.
The accused, Jumbom Riba, a resident of Village Pagi, P.O./P.S. Basar, District Lepa Rada, West Siang, Arunachal Pradesh, is accused of orchestrating an international cheating and impersonation racket.
According to the complaint, the victim was contacted via social media by a woman identifying herself as “Christiana,” who claimed to be a secretary at Abbot Pharmaceutical, UK.
The accused promised dealership rights for a product named “Agasina Nut,” allegedly sourced from Arunachal Pradesh, enticing the complainant with assurances of high profits and an international purchase agreement.
Believing the promises, the complainant transferred ₹26.25 lakh into various bank accounts controlled by the accused. The fraud was further facilitated by a staged currency conversion demonstration, which resulted in a significant financial loss for the victim.
During the investigation, EOW Kashmir found that the accused had used forged identity documents, including fake voter IDs, to open multiple bank accounts under the names of ‘Tabu Juli’ and ‘Aisha Kholi’ at various banks.
These accounts were found to be operated by Riba, who used them for routing, diverting, and withdrawing the victim’s funds.
Analysis of financial transactions revealed rapid inter-bank transfers and cash withdrawals, with no legitimate income source to back the credits.
The chargesheet has been filed in absentia under Section 512 of the CrPC, as the accused remains at large.
The investigation has established the accused’s involvement in offences including cheating, impersonation, forgery, and the use of forged documents.
The EOW Kashmir has urged the public to remain cautious and avoid falling prey to online and offline frauds, which continue to target unsuspecting individuals.(KNS).
