Police have arrested a Nigerian man in Navi Mumbai, India for allegedly duping a businesswoman of Rs 3.5 lakh on the false promise of an opportunity for her in chemical business in the United Kingdom.
The accused was identified as Adolphus Uche Onuma, a resident of Kharghar in Navi Mumbai, an official said on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
The victim, who is a businesswoman and deals in chemicals, had received an email on January 26 about a business opportunity in the UK.
The woman was convinced with the offer and sent Rs 3.05 lakh to an account number provided by the sender of the email. After sending the money, the woman tried to contact the company but failed to get any response.
She then realised that she had been duped and approached the Matunga police station, where she lodged a complaint.
During the investigation, it came to light that a number used in the crime was activated in Kharghar.
Accordingly, a trap was laid and the accused Nigerian national was arrested.
During interrogation, Onuma admitted to his involvement in the crime.
Further investigation revealed that the accused and his gang were involved in similar fraud cases not only in Mumbai but also in Andhra Pradesh’s Mudinepalli and Gujarat’s Changodar regions.
The accused was produced before the court, which granted police custody for six days.
The investigation has also revealed the involvement of other associates in the scam.
Police have now launched a special operation to trace and arrest the remaining members of the gang.
