Half-price scooter scam case: Crime Branch to take over case, accused swindled six crore in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Crime Branch is set to take over the investigation against those who swindled crores of rupees by falsely promising scooters and other goods at half price. The probe will be conducted under the supervision of the Crime Branch IG, with individual units in respective districts likely to be assigned the cases. Since the scams follow a similar pattern, all cases may be coordinated together. An investigation team is expected to be formed, and an official order may be issued today or tomorrow.

The half-price scam took place in the capital city as well, where fraudsters allegedly swindled nearly six crore rupees from seven charitable organizations. Complaints have been filed against fraudsters who deceived organizations, including Mitram Charitable Society Trust, Travancore Agri Livestock Farmers Producers Company, Sukrutham Palliative Care Society, Card Sector, Samanwaya Trust, and Deepthi Charitable Society. These organizations transferred money to the NGO Confederation’s account to purchase 960 two-wheelers, 200 laptops, and 28 sewing machines, but even after months, the promised goods were never delivered.

Representatives of the affected organizations recently filed a complaint with the State Police Chief. The scammers convinced these organizations that they could purchase two-wheelers, laptops, and sewing machines at half price. Initially, a few items were delivered, but soon, the supply stopped entirely. Later, the fraudsters disappeared, and their whereabouts remain unknown, said organization representatives Shiny, Jose, and Haji Kumar.