International Online Scam Network Unravelled: 3 Arrested in Mauritius

The Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) has dismantled a sophisticated online scam network following an extensive investigation. On Wednesday, 16th April, authorities apprehended three individuals – a 36-year-old Ukrainian and two Mauritian accomplices – linked to a staggering fraud estimated at Rs 450 million. The victims, predominantly foreign nationals who had lost substantial sums in cryptocurrency investments, were lured by the suspects with false promises of assistance in recovering their funds.

The principal suspect, Syvokon Yevhen, a resident of Mont-Choisy, was arrested for electronic fraud under Section 44(b) of the FCC Act.

This provision addresses the direct or indirect use of a computer system with the dishonest intent to cause loss to another.

Alongside him, Neervinssingh Ramdenee, a 41-year-old from Villa Val d’Oise, was detained as an associate and company director, facing similar charges of electronic fraud involving a sum of €234,961 at the expense of a French victim.

Meanwhile, 49-year-old Naresh Johkhoo from Calebasses was arrested for money laundering under Sections 36(1) and 38 of the FCC Act, found in possession of Rs 352,800 in cash, suspected to be the proceeds of criminal activity.

The trio appeared in court, but the FCC opposed their release on bail, resulting in their return to police custody.

According to a whistleblower, the fraudulent activities commenced in 2023 with the establishment of a call centre in Mauritius.

This centre, located on the first floor of the NG Tower in Ébène, operated under the guise of Strike Online, a partnership between Ramdenee and Yevhen.

Operations began in December 2023, with agents working from noon to 9 PM, Monday to Friday, and enjoying weekends off.

Jean Claude Bibi, representing a French victim defrauded by this fictitious company, revealed the insidious nature of their operations.

The agents were tasked with contacting victims of cryptocurrency fraud, particularly in France and Belgium, masquerading as representatives of a bogus British firm named Empire Crypto.

They employed false identities and reached out through Facebook advertisements, claiming they could assist victims in reclaiming their lost funds.

Following an initial call, they would request proof of losses, subsequently asserting that they had located the funds on the blockchain.

To recover the supposedly found money, victims were instructed to open an account with Empire Crypto and make an initial transfer, typically a minimum of €500, purportedly to activate the recovery process.

Once the first payment was made, a retention team would contact the clients to present a fabricated “recovered” balance displayed on a deceptive interface.

At this juncture, clients were hit with additional fees, including conversion charges, insurance, exemption taxes, and transfer fees.

Local employees received a base salary of Rs 28,000, with some earning up to Rs 100,000 per month through commissions.

However, no contributions to the General Social Contribution were made by the employer.

Eyewitness accounts suggested that the Ukrainian suspect moved about with bags full of cash, accompanied by bodyguards to facilitate the payment of agents.

Mᵉ Jean-Claude Bibi, the lawyer representing one of the victims – a French national defrauded of Rs 8 million – has urged the public to remain vigilant. He revealed that his client has lodged complaints both in France and Mauritius with the FCC.

“I implore Mauritians to stay alert. My client is not the only one who has been scammed. There are other victims abroad who are affected. I believe further arrests will follow in this case,” he cautioned, highlighting the urgent need for awareness in the face of such nefarious schemes.

Source: l’Express