Crime Branch Achieves Major Breakthrough with Arrest of Three in ₹26.5 Million Fraud Case

Crime Branch arrests two Nigerian nationals and a Delhi woman in a ₹26.5 million fraud case, marking a major breakthrough in combating cybercrimes.

Bhubaneswar, Odisha : In a significant development, the Crime Branch has successfully apprehended three individuals, including two Nigerian nationals, in connection with a ₹26.5 million fraud case. The accused, identified as Christopher Siyobam and Stanley alias German, along with Aarti Gautam, a resident of Delhi, have been taken into custody.

The operation was initiated following a complaint lodged in 2023 by a Bhubaneswar resident. The complainant alleged that an individual posing as an IAS officer from the Odisha cadre, purportedly working with the World Bank, had contacted him via Facebook and email. The impostor proposed a fraudulent business venture involving saffron trade from Kashmir, ultimately swindling ₹26.5 million through various bank transactions.

Inspector Vibhu Ranjan led the investigation, which initially resulted in the arrest of Aarti Gautam. Subsequent inquiries led to the capture of Christopher Siyobam and Stanley. The accused have a notorious history, with 94 cases registered against them on the National Crime Portal and I4C. Their criminal activities span multiple states, primarily involving cybercrimes.

The trio will be transported to Bhubaneswar on transit remand, where they will be presented in court. Following interrogation, they are expected to be remanded to judicial custody. This operation marks a significant achievement for the Crime Branch in its ongoing efforts to combat sophisticated fraud schemes.