Rourkela: Two men were arrested on Monday for allegedly duping multiple victims, including a retired bank manager, of approximately Rs 40 lakh through a fraudulent digital currency investment scheme.
The accused, identified as Umesh Kumar Ramani (49) from Uttar Pradesh, currently residing in Jharsuguda, and Samuel Cyril Lakra (50) from Jhirpani, were arrested by Sector-15 police following a complaint by Bijay Kumar Minz, a retired bank branch manager who lost Rs 16.50 lakh in the scam.
According to DSP Pushpanjali Ningi, Zone-1, Rourkela, the duo operated through a scheme called ‘My Victory Club' since 2022, promising returns of Rs 1,000 for every Rs 100 invested in digital currency. They conducted meetings in various hotels, charging Rs 800-1,000 per participant for membership.
"We have arrested two fraudsters in this case," said DSP Ningi. "Seven additional cases against the accused are being investigated by respective police stations."
The matter came to light when Minz discovered that Ramani and Lakra had absconded with investors' money. Subsequently, seven more victims filed complaints across different police stations in Rourkela, including Sector-15, Jhirpani and Chhend, reporting losses totalling Rs 23.50 lakh.
Lakra, who worked as Ramani's agent, allegedly collected money directly from investors' homes. Police are currently investigating the full extent of their operations and the possibility of more victims coming forward.