Thane crime branch arrests group of Nigerians in blue crab blood' racket

Mumbai: The Thane crime branch has busted a racket operated by a few Nigerian nationals who were allegedly duping gullible customers willing to buy “blue crab blood” from them to make medicines in the UK. The accused would ask the victims to deposit money, only to withdraw it and re-route the funds to Nigeria-based accounts.

Officials have seized 46 high-end wrist watches, 28 bank debit cards and other valuables, following a raid at their residence in Navi Mumbai. Unit 1 of the Thane crime branch began investigation in the case after one Ninand Telgote from Ulhasnagar approached the crime branch and lodged a complaint, stating that he was duped to the tune of '3.66 lakh under the pretext of profit by selling “blue crab blood”.

The police arrested one Abdul Qadir Ibrahim Kuchi, 40, a resident of Panvel, who was the link between the Nigerians and the victim. His interrogation revealed the names of Agejoku Sunday alias Stanley Sunday, 41 and Onkanchi Maddu, 40, both residents of Koparkha-irane in Navi
Mumbai, and natives of Nigeria.

Madhukar Pandey, who holds additional charge of Thane police commissioner, said, “They would lure people with attractive profits, citing Kent Pharmac-eutical in the UK that was into making medicines using the said blood. They would ask people to deposit money in their bank accounts, which would be withdrawn by multiple debit cards later.”

Mr Pandey said, “We found 21 debit cards and 28 cheque books of different banks. We also found 47 wrist watches.”