The Delhi Police has apprehended two individuals on charges of defrauding people by posing as customs officials and exploiting social media connections. The suspects, Benita Gift Agene (27) and Izunna Paul Uzoma (34), both hailing from Nigeria, were allegedly part of an international racket engaged in duping individuals by claiming customs clearance and Reserve Bank of India fees.
The case unfolded when a complaint was received at the Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations Unit (IFSO), detailing an encounter with a UK-based individual named Rebecca on social media. The complainant established a friendship with Rebecca, who claimed to work at Citibank Power Station in the UK and expressed a desire to visit historical places in India. The fraudsters went on to share a purported flight ticket from Heathrow to Mumbai via Dubai with the complainant.
Subsequently, the complainant received a call from an individual posing as a customs officer at Mumbai airport, stating that Rebecca was encountering document-related issues and required funds for customs clearance. DCP IFSO Hemant Tiwary explained, “Initially, he refused to give any money, but she (Rebecca) started crying and promised to return the money. She also told him that her card was blocked and all her belongings were under customs clearance. Hence, he agreed to help her and initially paid Rs 50,000 only on humanitarian grounds.”
Despite the initial reluctance, the complainant eventually deposited approximately Rs 7 lakh in various bank accounts on different dates. Following the incident, Delhi Police initiated an investigation, leading to the arrest of Benita Gift Agene. During interrogation, Agene revealed her background, stating that she came from a financially disadvantaged family in Nigeria and had come to India for education and job prospects.