A businessman, Raman Rajeshwar Prasad, aged 45, has been remanded in custody following charges of unlawfully obtaining over $57,000. Prasad made his initial appearance before Suva Magistrate Pulekeria Low, facing 67 counts of obtaining financial advantage by deception, along with a charge of possession of property suspected to be proceeds of crime. These alleged activities took place between January 7, 2020, and January 2023, where Prasad is accused of defrauding a complainant through BSP online banking and M-Paisa by falsely claiming to sell land plots that he did not own.
The investigation into Prasad’s activities was conducted by the Criminal Investigations Department’s Major Fraud Unit, Anti-Money Laundering Unit, and Cyber Crime Task Force. This case highlights ongoing concerns surrounding online financial fraud and deception.
Recent similar cases, including one involving a 27-year-old from Moto, Ba, who also faces multiple charges related to financial deception via social media sales, underscore the increasing prevalence of fraud in digital marketplaces. Authorities stress the importance of vigilance for consumers engaging in online transactions, emphasizing that potential buyers should verify sellers to avoid scams.
The legal actions against Prasad and other accused individuals reflect a broader trend where law enforcement agencies are increasingly focused on protecting the public from financial crimes. By holding individuals accountable for fraudulent activities, these efforts may deter others who might contemplate similar actions.
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