RIYADH: A Malappuram native is alleged to have extorted Rs 27 crore from a Saudi native after promising a partnership in some lucrative business. In a press conference, the Saudi national accused the Kerala man of threatening him with political clout that he has in the Arab country.

Ibrahim Muhammad Muhaiza Al-Utaibi, a native of Saudi Arabia, has come forward with allegations against a resident of Malappuram Pallikkal, native Shameel (53).

Helping Shameel settle the debt with the bank, Ibrahim Muhammad pledged the land he owned in Saudi Arabia and lost the balance. Shameel extorted money from Malayalees and Saudi nationals by pointing out various business opportunities using the investor's license he received.

Shameel also took a loan from Oryx Finance Company in Saudi for business purposes. When he failed to repay this loan on time, the finance company filed a case against Shameel and he faced a travel ban. The Saudi citizen helped Shameel as per his request to clear his liabilities and help avoid the travel ban.

The fraudster had made him believe that he would sell his property and return all the money once he got home. Trusting Shameel's word, Ibrahim Al Utaibi took over the liability of 53,43,400 Riyals from the finance company by guaranteeing the land he owned in Saudi Arabia. But Shameel did not come back after returning home. When the loan defaulted, the court intervened and auctioned his land.

Ibrahim Muhammad Muhaiza said that Shameel came to Saudi Arabia to deceive Saudi citizens and has filed a complaint with the office of Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, demanding that action be taken against him. A complaint was also lodged with the Indian Consulate in Jeddah. He is preparing to file a complaint with Indian officials in Saudi Arabia to seek compensation for his lost property and money.