Cyber crook dupes US citizen of Rs 71 lakh

KOLKATA: The police on Tuesday arrested a Gorachand Road resident for reportedly duping a US-citizen of more than $85,786 or Rs 71 lakh.The accused, Shizan Ali Haider, allegedly offered to “update” the victim’s computer software and siphoned off the money, according to cyber cell officers. Haider was produced in a local court, which remanded him in police custody till January 13. Cops said they were tipped off about the incident on November 1, 2022. “Haider was arrested from a cafe located on Kustia Road on Tuesday,” said DC (Cyber) Atul V. He was booked for cheating and forgery along with sections 43, 66, 66C and 66D of the IT Act. “The accused duped a US citizen of $85,786 after winning the victim’s confidence. Haider managed to convince the person that he was paying for an upgraded software purchase. We tracked him via IP addresses and used an app, Text Now,” said DC Atul V. “We are checking the technical aspects and also whether he was acting as a lone wolf or not,” said an officer.