A gang consisting of Iranian nationals are on cheating spree in south Mumbai targetting several shops, companies and banks

A gang consisting of Iranian nationals are on cheating spree in south Mumbai targetting several shops, companies and banks. Their modus operandi is the oldest technique in 'haath ki safai (Skill of hands i.e. skill in swindling money).

In the most recent incident, the gang has targeted a foreign exchange company in Fort.

The MRA Marg police station has registered an FIR under section 420 (cheating) and 34 (common intentions) against two unidentified persons.

A police officer said, “An Iranian gang is on spree in south Mumbai targeting several shops. Some members of the gang are in the jail but they soon get out with nominal punishment and again commit the same crime.”

The officer added, “The technique they use is called Haath Ki Safai, in which the victim does not even know that he is cheated. They remove money from the possession of the victim which they don’t even realize. However, the gang here in south Mumbai have targeted posh shops and taken away huge amount.”

In a recent incident, which took place on February 16, the accused targeted UAE exchange and finance LTD Company at its branch at Old Custom House, Fort, in south Mumbai. The complainant in the case, identified as Pushpendra Bihari, 26, is cashier in the company. Bihari said, “It was in the afternoon, around 3.20, when the incident took place. The shop was less crowded. Two men, who looked like foreign nationals from the way they worn their clothes and also their faces, entered our office. One was around 25 years old, while the other was 45 years old. They came into office posing as son and father.”

According to police officials, the accused gave one note of 100 dollar and asked for two notes of 50 dollars. While the cashier was busy in his work, the accused started checking the money and distracted him by starting a conversation. The accused managed to quietly remove 26 notes of 100 dollars without the cashier's knowledge. The cashier realized what had happened only later in the evening when he was counting the money. The two accused removed 2600 dollars from the drawer and escaped. The cops are investigating the matter to trace the accused.