3 Zimbabwean nationals held in Mohali for ₹1.1 cr online investment fraud in Kolkata cyber case

Three Zimbabwean nationals were arrested in Mohali, Punjab, on June 21 in connection with an online investment fraud case registered at Cyber Police Station, Kolkata. The case, bearing No. 30/25 dated May 20, 2025, is registered under Sections 66, 66C, 66D read with 43 of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and Sections 61(2), 319(2), 318(4), 336(2), 338, and 340(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Tinashe Gadzikkwa Praise (22), Malvern Matumgamire (25), and Nyamhunga Lenon Kudakwashe (23), all residents of Zimbabwe. They were residing in different rented accommodations in the Kharar area of Mohali, Punjab. Based on technical inputs and investigation, Kolkata Cyber Police located and detained them from Sector 115 and Sector 116 of Mohali.

According to the FIR, the complaint was filed by Sandip Guha (53), son of Nilachal Guha, a resident of Pratapaditya Road and Hiland Willows, Newtown, Kolkata. He reported that before and on May 1, 2025, he was induced by the accused to invest in Kola nut trading under the false pretext of high returns. The accused allegedly impersonated representatives of “Abbott Pharmaceutical Company UK” and the “World Health Organization” using forged letterheads, seals, and digital communication platforms such as email and WhatsApp.

The accused allegedly created fake email accounts, WhatsApp profiles, and counterfeit documents to impersonate officials and present fraudulent investment opportunities. They used these false identities to gain the complainant’s trust and facilitated the transfer of funds amounting to ₹1,10,41,250. The transactions were made under the impression of a legitimate business investment.

During the arrest, a total of six mobile phones, one laptop, multiple bank documents, and forged papers were recovered from the possession of the three accused. The arrests took place at 09:10 hrs, 13:25 hrs, and 13:40 hrs respectively, from two separate residential locations within Kharar jurisdiction under Mohali district.

The arrested individuals will be presented before the jurisdictional court in Mohali for transit remand proceedings. Further investigation into the financial trail, digital evidence, and possible involvement of other individuals is underway.