A group of fraudsters in India set up a fake court to con an influential businessman out of millions of dollars. The investigation, led by Indian police, centers around an 82-year-old textile tycoon, S.P. Oswal, the chairman of the prominent Vardhan Group.
The cunning fraudsters lured Oswal to what they claimed was a session of the Supreme Court, threatening him with imprisonment for money laundering if he did not comply. Under the pressure of this elaborate ruse, Oswal unwittingly transferred a staggering $830,000 into the scammers’ account as “funds” for the fictitious legal proceedings.
A police officer from the northern state of Punjab commented on the case, noting that while digital and online fraud has become increasingly common in India, staging a fake court hearing is unprecedented. The case came to light when Oswal reported the incident to authorities, leading to the arrest of two individuals involved in the scheme.
According to Oswal, the perpetrators posed as federal investigators and organized an online court session. One of them even impersonated Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, further convincing Oswal of the legitimacy of their claims. The gravity of the situation and the level of deception involved have left the community and law enforcement agencies stunned.
