Bhiwandi Woman Defrauded of ₹22.4 Lakh Over Fake London Parcel Claim

BHIWANDI, India — A 26-year-old homemaker in the western Indian city of Bhiwandi lost ₹22.40 lakh ($27,000) after falling victim to a sophisticated cyber fraud scheme involving a fictitious gift shipment from London.

Zulfana Imran Mulla was targeted by Faraz Rajput and his associates through social media channels earlier this month. The suspects promised the delivery of high-value gifts, enticing Mulla with images and descriptions of expensive items purportedly waiting for her in Mumbai. Once interest was secured, the fraudsters shifted their narrative to logistics hurdles.

The perpetrators informed Mulla that the package had arrived at Indian customs but required an immediate payment of clearance charges before it could be released. They provided official-looking documentation and instructions on how to transfer the funds directly to designated accounts. Trusting the assurances regarding the impending delivery, Mulla transferred the full sum of ₹22.40 lakh.

Following the transaction, communication with Rajput ceased abruptly. The promised parcel never materialized, and no goods were ever delivered by customs authorities. Local police in Bhiwandi have registered a formal complaint against Faraz Rajput and his associates following Mulla's report on Friday.

Investigators believe the fraud ring is operating from Pakistan, utilizing cross-border digital networks to target victims across India. The modus operandi relies heavily on social media engagement, where suspects cultivate trust before introducing financial demands under the guise of regulatory compliance or shipping fees. Police stated that international coordination will be required to trace and apprehend the individuals behind the scam.

Mulla's family has expressed distress over the significant financial loss, which represents a substantial portion of their savings. The incident highlights a growing trend in cybercrime where scammers exploit the desire for luxury goods or unexpected windfalls through elaborate ruses involving international shipping logistics.

Authorities have not yet identified all members of the syndicate involved in the operation. While Rajput has been named as a primary suspect, police are still working to map out the full network responsible for orchestrating the fraud and laundering the stolen funds. The investigation remains active as law enforcement officials attempt to recover the lost money through banking channels.

The case underscores the increasing sophistication of digital scams targeting individuals in India's rapidly expanding urban centers. As cybercriminals adapt their tactics, local police are urging residents to verify any requests for upfront payments related to international shipments directly with official customs agencies before transferring funds.