A staggering scam with financial implications of approximately Rs 1,400 crore has left a trail of 1,200 victims in its wake, shedding light on the intricacies of a sophisticated fraud operation.
Unveiling the Massive Scam
In a span of just nine days, a Chinese national masterminded a colossal fraud scheme that targeted innocent individuals in Gujarat, India. Collaborating with co-conspirators situated in Gujarat, the fraudulent operation revolved around the launch of a fictitious football betting app.
The orchestrator of this grand deception, Woo Uyanbe, hailing from the Shenzhen region of China, operated the scam from two regions in India—Patan and Banaskantha. His presence in these localities from 2020 to 2022 facilitated the formation of local connections, enabling him to entice unsuspecting victims with the allure of substantial wealth.
Detection and Unraveling of the Scheme
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) became aware of the scam when it received reports of victims in both Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh who had fallen prey to the ‘Dani Data’ app. The Agra Police initiated an inquiry, which subsequently led the CID to uncover the elaborate web of deception.
An investigating officer revealed, “During our investigation, we learned that the Chinese national was in India between 2020 and 2022. He spent time in Patan and Banaskantha, where he met numerous locals and lured them with promises of wealth. He and his accomplices in Gujarat then launched the app in May 2022. It invited bets and promised substantial returns.”
Staggering Swindle: The Numbers Speak
The sheer magnitude of the scam is staggering. Over the course of just nine days, the fraudsters managed to siphon off an average of Rs 200 crore daily from victims ranging from 17 to 75 years old. Despite its brief duration, the operation managed to amass a total of Rs 1,400 crore.
However, as abruptly as it began, the fraudulent app ceased to function, leaving victims to grapple with the harsh reality that their investments had been stolen.
Efforts to Apprehend the Culprits
Law enforcement authorities were relentless in their pursuit of justice. To date, nine individuals have been arrested for aiding Uyanbe in his fraudulent endeavors. These accomplices utilized hawala networks and shell companies to transfer the ill-gotten funds to China.
An FIR (First Information Report) was filed in August 2022, charging the culprits with cheating and violations under the IT Act.
Escape and Future Activity
While the fraudulent app may have been discontinued, the mastermind behind the operation, Uyanbe, appears to have eluded Indian authorities and returned to his home country, China. Although extradition proceedings are pending, his alleged involvement in similar fraudulent activities in Hong Kong and Singapore has been reported.
The intricate layers of this sophisticated scam underscore the importance of vigilant oversight and swift action in the face of emerging fraudulent schemes. As the investigation continues, it serves as a reminder of the need to remain cautious and informed in the digital age.
