The crime branch of Mumbai has arrested three youths involved in a Nigerian fake credit card fraud. The police have identified them as hemant Arora, sumer Shaikh and calod Wilfred Lobo. They have been remanded to police custody till 3rd of November.

Last week, the crime branch got to know that a gang of robbers were likely to sell gold ornaments at Grant Road. Shaikh, who was staying in a hotel at Grant road was the first one to get arrested by the police. The police recovered 21 fake credit cards and gold ornaments worth Rs. 2.86 lakh from the three.

During interrogation, Shaikh disclosed that these fake credit cards were given to them by a Nigerian in lieu of money. These Nigerians operated by supplying credit cards to these youths. These youths, in turn, bought various expensive things, particularly gold and then sell these at cheaper rates. "The Nigerians would take 40% of the booty and the three youths would share the remaining booty,'' said inspector Milind Khetle.

Rakesh Maria, joint commissioner of police (crime) said "It is unfortunate that more and more youths are falling prey to the racket run by Nigerians.

As HSBC bank officials had lodged a case at the LT Marg police station, the accused were handed over to them for further investigation. Now, the police are trying to trace the Nigerian gang and a few jewellers who would purchase the gold ornaments from this gang at cheaper prices.

Fake Credit card frauds are on a rise (oct 19). In a similar case, the Mumbai police arrested a 44-year-old Mohammad Javeed from the city. The man was caught red-handed by the shopkeepers. His three accomplices managed to flee. Twenty-eight fake credit cards and three mobile phones were recovered from the room they were staying in. the case has been reported to Central crime Branch (CCB) for further inquiry.