Trader duped of ₹4 lakh in alleged China import fraud

An Ahmedabad-based trader has alleged that he was cheated of ₹4.11 lakh by a man who claimed to be an import agent capable of procuring goods from China.

According to Gaikwad Haveli police, 45-year-old Asif Hanifbhai Chhipa, a resident of Jamalpur, runs a business dealing in induction cooktop equipment and spare parts. He told police that increasing demand for induction cooktop components and shortages in the domestic market led him to explore importing goods directly from China.

Chhipa came across an advertisement on Facebook and Instagram under the name 'SKF Import', which purportedly offered services for importing goods from China. On March 17, he contacted a mobile number listed in the advertisement and spoke to a person identifying himself as 'Kunal'.

During subsequent conversations, Kunal allegedly assured him that he could facilitate the import of spare parts from a Chinese manufacturer. The complainant shared a proforma invoice received from the Chinese company and negotiated import charges with the accused.

Police said the parties eventually agreed on a total amount of ₹4.11 lakh, which allegedly included the cost of the goods, customs clearance and freight charges. The accused subsequently provided bank account details and instructed the complainant to transfer the money.

As per the complaint, Chhipa transferred ₹1 lakh through RTGS on March 20, followed by ₹2.70 lakh on March 21, to an account allegedly linked to a business named 'Textile Megastore'. Additional payments were also made as part of the agreed transaction.

The accused allegedly informed the complainant that the consignment would reach Ahmedabad by April 10, However, despite repeated assurances, the goods were never delivered. Whenever contacted, the accused reportedly postponed delivery, claiming that the shipment would arrive within a day or two.

The complainant further alleged that the accused eventually stopped answering calls altogether and later switched off his mobile phone, raising suspicions of fraud.

After failing to establish contact, Chhipa approached the National Cyber Crime Helpline and registered a complaint through helpline number 1930.

Gaikwad Haveli police have registered a case against the individual identified as Kunal and other persons who may be involved.