Nigerian man allegedly attacks police officers in India while being arrested for allegedly duping people in the guise of sending foreign funds for charity

Two persons, including a 32-year-old Nigerian national were arrested on Monday, November 23, by the Rachakonda Police, India on charges of duping people in the guise of sending foreign funds for charity.

The accused were identified as Chibuike Christian Aririegbunamu, who was staying in Shahpura in New Delhi, and Arun Kumar, 28, from New Delhi.

The prime suspect Sonia Sharma has fled.

Police said Sharma colluded with Aririegbunam, who came to India on a business visa, and started cheating people in the name of charity funds through social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook among others.

“The gang contacted people on social media luring them in the guise of transferring huge foreign funds for charity purpose here in India. Once the victims show interest, they start fleecing money citing various charges like foreign exchange certificate, RBI clearance certificate and other reasons,” Rachakonda Commissioner Mahesh Bhagwat said, adding that when people transferred amounts into the bank accounts of these fraudsters, the money was withdrawn from various ATMs in New Delhi.

They were busted when a victim of their operation from Safilguda filed a complaint with the police on how he was cheated to the tune of Rs 30 lakh by the gang, after which the Cybercrime police booked a case and started probing.

According to the complainant, the gang managed to gain his trust by discussing spiritual matter and later they asked him to transfer money for the release of foreing funds.

An amount of Rs 29, 74,939 was transfered to five different accounts after which the complainant never heard from them again.

The police discovered the gang’s location in Delhi during investigation and kept a watch at Sonia Communications where the Nigerian accused was arrested. 

During the arrest, an Inspector and a Constable, Praveen Kumar and Ramesh suffered injuries when the Nigerian allegedly attacked them.

Aririegbunam allegedly went wild, bit Kumar on the hand and Ramesh on the head, causing severe bleeding. 

A complaint was lodged at the Tilak Nagar police station and a case registered in this regard against the Nigerian. 

Police advised citizens to not reveal their personal data to suspicious strangers online to avoid loss of life and money.