Patna: A Patna-based plastic recycling businessman has allegedly been cheated of Rs 3.82 crore after fraudsters lured him with the promise of supplying plastic raw material at prices lower than the prevailing market rate. The Cyber Police Station has registered a case and launched an investigation following the victim’s complaint.
According to police, the complainant, Dheeraj, is a resident of Khajekalan and operates Dheeraj Plastic Works, a registered recycling unit in Ranipur that manufactures plastic granules from recycled plastic waste.
Broker Offered Cheap Raw Material
Police said an unidentified man, who introduced himself as Sanjay Paul, visited the factory office a few days ago and claimed to be a leading broker in the plastic raw material business.
He allegedly assured Dheeraj that he could supply bulk quantities of raw material at rates significantly lower than the market price. Believing the offer to be genuine, the businessman placed a large order.
Rs 3.82 Crore Sent to Two Company Accounts
Investigators said the accused later shared bank account details of two firms—Balaji Traders and Trinity Broadway Construction Private Limited—and instructed the businessman to transfer advance payments for the consignment.
Trusting the broker, Dheeraj transferred Rs 3,82,88,000 through multiple online transactions into the bank accounts of the two companies on different dates.
Fake GST Invoice Allegedly Used to Build Credibility
To strengthen the appearance of a legitimate business transaction, the accused allegedly provided a GST invoice after receiving the payments.
The businessman reportedly believed the consignment would be delivered shortly. However, after a few days, the accused’s mobile phone became unreachable, and all communication ceased. When no raw material arrived, Dheeraj realised he might have been defrauded.
Shell Companies Suspected in Organised Fraud
The complainant later carried out his own verification of the two companies and allegedly found that they were shell entities created for financial fraud.
He informed police that the accused appeared to be part of an organised cyber fraud network, with Sanjay Paul allegedly acting as the principal broker in the operation.
Following the complaint, the Cyber Police Station registered a case and has begun investigating the financial transactions and the identities of those involved.
