In a swift operation, Gujarat police recovered Rs 11 lakh for a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) based in Sydney, Australia, who was cheated in an online gold purchase scam, just weeks after the victim filed a complaint via email. The Amreli district police confirmed that the entire amount was credited back to the complainant's account earlier this month.
Victim Transferred Money in April, Gold Never Delivered
The complainant, Saurabh Jolly, had transferred Rs 11 lakh in April 2026 to an individual in Amreli for the purchase of gold. However, the bullion was never delivered, prompting him to seek help from law enforcement. According to Amreli Superintendent of Police Sanjay Kharat, Jolly emailed the complaint in June, triggering an immediate investigation.
“As soon as we received his complaint via email, we promptly launched an investigation and assured him of our full support. The cyber crime team coordinated with the bank concerned, pursued the matter, and kept the complainant informed throughout the investigation,” SP Kharat said.
Cyber Crime Team Worked with Bank for Quick Resolution
The police’s cyber crime unit, led by Inspector Kamlesh Khatana, traced the transaction and contacted the recipient. The alleged fraudster was asked to return the money, following which the entire Rs 11 lakh was refunded. The amount was credited to Jolly's account earlier in July, within a month of the complaint being registered.
“The recipient was asked to return the money after the investigation, and he refunded the entire amount,” Inspector Khatana stated.
Complainant Praises Police Efficiency
In a letter addressed to SP Kharat, Jolly expressed his gratitude to the cyber crime team, particularly Khatana and his team members, for their “exceptional professionalism, dedication, and efficiency” in resolving the case. He noted that he had never imagined that a matter involving an overseas complainant could be resolved so swiftly.
“At the time of filing the complaint, I was in Sydney, Australia, and honestly never imagined that a matter involving an overseas complainant could be resolved so swiftly and methodically,” Jolly wrote. He added that police followed up with the alleged fraudsters, coordinated with the bank, and kept him informed of every development until the full amount was recovered.
Police Urge Vigilance in Online Transactions
The case highlights the growing risk of gold fraud in online marketplaces, where buyers often fall victim to non-delivery even after making full payments. Amreli police urged the public to verify sellers thoroughly and use secure payment methods when dealing with online gold purchases. They also encouraged victims of cyber fraud to report incidents promptly to enable quick recovery of funds.
