Police in Gujarat’s Kutch district have arrested five people for allegedly operating an interstate fraud racket that used Instagram to cheat buyers with fake gold biscuits. According to the preliminary investigation, the accused attracted potential customers by offering gold at prices significantly below the prevailing market rate. They allegedly gained buyers’ confidence by showing them genuine gold before handing over counterfeit biscuits and escaping with the money. During the operation, police seized genuine gold valued at approximately Rs 1.5 crore, along with 15 fake gold biscuits allegedly used in the fraud.

Investigators suspect that the group used social media to reach potential victims across different states. By advertising unusually cheap gold, the accused allegedly persuaded buyers to consider deals that appeared financially attractive. The use of genuine gold to establish credibility reportedly formed a key part of the alleged scheme, allowing the suspects to convince customers before completing transactions involving counterfeit gold. Police have not provided a detailed breakdown of the number of victims or the total amount of money allegedly collected through the operation.

The five arrests followed a police operation in Kutch aimed at identifying those involved in the alleged racket. Along with the gold and counterfeit biscuits, officers recovered a Hyundai Creta car, three two-wheelers and nine mobile phones suspected of being used in the operation. The vehicles and electronic devices are now part of the seized property being examined as investigators work to establish how the group operated and whether additional people were involved.

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The total value of the seized property has been estimated at Rs 1,62,44,300, according to the details released about the operation. The recovery of genuine gold worth approximately Rs 1.5 crore was a significant part of the seizure, while the 15 fake biscuits are suspected to have been used to deceive buyers. However, the available information does not specify whether the recovered genuine gold was purchased with proceeds from the alleged fraud or was being held for another purpose.

Police are examining the nine seized mobile phones, including digital conversations and other material that could help establish the suspects’ activities. Investigators are seeking to identify possible victims, trace communications and determine whether the alleged operation extended beyond Gujarat. The digital evidence could also help establish how customers were contacted, how the offers were presented and whether other individuals assisted in arranging transactions or distributing counterfeit gold.

The investigation remains focused on determining the full scale of the alleged fraud and identifying any additional suspects or victims. Although five people have been arrested, further details about their identities, the specific locations of the alleged transactions and the number of people who may have lost money have not been disclosed in the supplied information. Police are expected to use the seized devices and other evidence to reconstruct the operation and establish the extent of the alleged interstate network.

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