Surat: Cybercrime police have booked a Vadodara-based property dealer and four others for allegedly cheating a Surat property dealer of Rs 57 lakh by luring him with high returns in forex trading.The victim, Karshan Khokhani, was allegedly promised monthly returns of 5% to 6%. After receiving the money, the accused and his associates failed to return either the principal or the promised profits. According to the complaint, Khokhani knew one of the accused, Patel, through the property business. In January 2024, Patel contacted him and offered investment opportunities in forex trading. Patel also shared the contact details of one ‘Sompuri Bhai’ for further coordination. When Khokhani contacted Sompuri, he was told that the investment would generate regular profits and that he would also receive TLC coins as a gift. Sompuri assured him that he would be able to withdraw 2% of the invested amount every month. After Khokhani agreed, Sompuri opened his account on a certain website. Khokhani then transferred a total of Rs 56.92 lakh in multiple instalments. The online account initially showed substantial profits, and Khokhani was allowed to withdraw a small amount. However, from Dec 9, 2024, further withdrawals were blocked. When Khokhani demanded his money, Patel and Sompuri allegedly gave various excuses and avoided repayment. With no resolution, Khokhani contacted the cybercrime helpline on Jan 1 and lodged a complaint. Based on the inquiry, Surat Cybercrime police registered an FIR on Tuesday and have begun an investigation.
