Hyderabad:
The cyber crime cell of the Crime Investigation Department (CID) of the Andhra Pradesh police has arrested four Nigerians, including two women, from New Delhi for allegedly duping a teacher to the tune of over Rs 45 lakh in a lottery scam.
Additional Director General of Police (CID) S V Ramana Murthy said that the victim, a teacher, received an SMS in May this year, which said she had won the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 lottery draw', and was entitled to prize of one million pounds.
She was asked to pay some money to claim the prize money.
"The victim believed the message and started corresponding with a Dr Dennis through email. In the process she was fleeced of Rs 45.49 lakh. She deposited the amount in 13 bank accounts as told by the accused," he said.
The accused said she would have to pay for 'customs clearance', and other things.
Later on, the victim got suspicious and approached the police.
Police zeroed in on the culprits by tracking their mobile numbers and IP addresses. They have arrested Rita Esumel, Victoria Innocent, Innocent Obozele and Stephen Elabor, all Nigerians, from New Delhi last. The accused have now been brought to Hyderabad. Another two suspects are absconding, Murthy said.
Police have also seized three computers and 19 cell phones.