Hyderabad: The IS terror in Syria has come in handy for some cyber fraudsters to dupe city realtors. Many builders have been getting emails from a “rich woman victim” of the IS in Syria asking them to buy plots and buildings in the city.

A realtor from Kukatpally lost lakhs as he paid the “charges for customs clearance and tax” after a woman doctor from Syria convinced him that she had sent $5.7 million to him. Police suspect that a gang of Africans based in North India is behind the scam.

Srinivas Chalagalla, a realtor received an email from one Dr Zarah Latifa of Syria, who claimed that she wanted to migrate to India. Srinivas got convinced after 50 emails. “She said she wanted to buy property in Hyderabad and settle here. She said she had sent $5.7 to his address. She also sent him documents to prove her identity. But they were forged,” said inspector Riyazuddin. She also offered him 40% commission. A few days later Srinivas got a call from a person who claimed to be a customs official. “He said $5.7 million has arrived in New Delhi. He asked me to deposit various charges to get the amount,” said Srinivas. He paid Rs 6 lakh into some bank accounts. However, he did not get the amount.

Srinivas then approached the police. Police found the accounts in which Srinivas deposited money were all operated from North India. "The same fraudsters called claiming to be customs officials to dupe him further. The initial inquiry points towards a Nigerian gang. We have booked a case in this regard," said the Inspector. Police also found that all the accounts in which Srinivas deposited money were operated from North India.

Cops had nabbed Imran, Waseem, Rizwan, Anwar:

IB said that MP ATS had arrested Imran Khan, Waseem, Rizwan and Anwar Qureshi, all residents of Ratlam. They were radicalised over the Internet last year by their mentor, known as Yousuf Al Hindi, who is now operating from Syria. Anwar Qureshi was arrested on May 2.

Yousuf is suspected to be either Sultan Amar or Shaif Amar, brothers from Bhatkal. They were active members of IM and had escaped to Karachi in 2009-10. As per orders from Yousuf, the group had acquired two pistols and was trying to make IEDs by procuring material locally. One of the arrested, Imran Khan, who was the local leader, had travelled to Dubai five times between 2003 and 2008 and once to Saudi Arabia.