Three Zimbabweans Arrested in India for US$127K Cyber Fraud Involving Kola Nut
Three Zimbabwean nationals have been arrested in India after pulling off a highly sophisticated cyber fraud that defrauded a senior pharmaceutical executive of over ₹1.1 crore (approximately US$127,000).
The suspects — Tinashe Gadzikwa Praise (22), Malvern Matumgamire (25), and Nyamhunga Lenon Kudakwashe (23) — were apprehended in a dramatic early morning raid in Kharar, a township in Mohali, Punjab.
Their arrest followed a coordinated cross-country operation spearheaded by Kolkata Police’s cyber crime unit, in collaboration with the local Punjab police.
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Fake Pharmaceutical Trade Scheme Involving Kola Nuts
According to The Times of India, the trio allegedly posed as representatives of a reputed UK pharmaceutical company and the World Health Organisation (WHO). Their scam revolved around the kola nut — a tropical fruit used in pharmaceutical treatments for conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
The accused reportedly lured 53-year-old Sandip Guha, a senior executive based in New Town, Kolkata, into a fake international trading deal, promising huge profits from exporting kola nuts.
To make the scheme appear legitimate, the fraudsters fabricated official documents and email communication, and even used WhatsApp numbers with UK codes.
Investigators said the suspects went as far as sending small kola nut consignments to Guha to establish credibility and gain his trust.
Money Transfers and Seized Devices
“Convinced by these initial transactions and the professional appearance of the operation, Guha transferred a total of ₹1,10,41,250 through multiple RTGS transactions to various Indian bank accounts,” said an officer involved in the investigation.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime & Traffic), Rupesh Kumar, confirmed that the suspects had rented a flat in the Golf Link area of Mohali. Authorities recovered six mobile phones, one laptop, multiple bank documents, and other forged materials during the raid.
Further Arrests Expected as Investigation Deepens
The Kolkata Police cyber cell launched its investigation after Guha filed a complaint in May. Their efforts paid off with the arrests over the weekend, marking a major breakthrough in the fight against cross-border cybercrime.
“The arrested individuals will be produced before the jurisdictional court concerned for transit remand.
“We are investigating possible links to other similar cases across the country,” said an officer.
The accused will be transferred to Kolkata for further questioning, and officials say more arrests are likely as the probe continues.
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The post Three Zimbabweans Arrested in India for US$127K Cyber Fraud Involving Kola Nut appeared first on iHarare News.
