DCB detains man accused of cheating 45 people in ‘rental car scam'

A man, who allegedly cheated at least 45 vehicle owners by promising them hefty monthly returns in lieu of their cars in a rental car scam was on Saturday detained by the Ahmedabad Detection of Crime Branch (DCB). The accused identified as Prince Mistry is a resident of Ahmedabad.According to an FIR lodged on Friday by one of the complainants at Ahmedabad DCB police station, the accused lured vehicle owners into a ‘trap’ to hand over four-wheelers for deployment on ‘rental contracts’ in lieu of a monthly rent of Rs 33000 and above. In order to “join the coveted network”, the accused allegedly also sought Rs 50,000 from the victims. DCB Inspector I N Ghasura told The Indian Express that the accused allegedly took away cars, some along with original papers of the vehicle, and mortgaged them for a loan with a third party. Ghasura said, “The accused started the scam in December 2023 by promising vehicle owners that they would receive Rs 33000 monthly by renting out their cars…most of the victims — who are drivers, agreed to join the network and several even handed over a deposit of Rs 50000 each to the accused. After the first three months, Mistry stopped transferring the money.”