Thiruvananthapuram: A major breakthrough has been achieved in the case involving a sophisticated scam that swindled crores of rupees through deceptive Facebook advertisements promising low-cost building construction. Dina Devan, the prime accused hailing from Pothencode, has been apprehended in connection with the case. While the investigation continues to search for his accomplices, the arrest of the main perpetrator has shed light on the modus operandi of this elaborate fraud.
The arrest follows a complaint filed by Mridula Mohan, a resident of Valiyathura who fell victim to the fraudulent scheme. The swindlers advertised their services under the names “Sarathi Construction” and “Nitham Global Foundation,” both ostensibly based in Venjaramood. This online ruse managed to attract the attention of numerous individuals who were lured into believing they were contracting affordable building construction services.
Law enforcement authorities revealed that the accused, Dina Devan, has confessed to conning multiple victims, extracting sums ranging from 10 lakhs to 20 lakhs from each. Shockingly, the scope of this deceit extends to a staggering 104 individuals, all of whom have reportedly lost money in the scam.
The elaborate fraud involved the establishment of a WhatsApp group using the contact details garnered from the Facebook advertisements. Subsequently, detailed plans were obtained from each interested party, followed by a registration fee of Rs. 14,000. Receipts were issued to cement a semblance of legitimacy. To further their deception, the perpetrators personally visited the locations of prospective house construction, gathering additional details for their scheme. Notably, all transactions were conducted through Google Pay.
The accused reportedly persuaded Mridula Mohan to allow them to clear the area around her house in anticipation of construction. However, after the area was cleared, the perpetrators absconded without compensating her for the work undertaken. It was this blatant disregard for honesty that prompted Mridula to lodge a formal complaint with the police, setting in motion the investigation that ultimately led to the arrest.
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