Rajkot trader loses Rs 18.53L in fake import deal

Rajkot: A 28-year-old import-export trader from Rajkot has filed a complaint with the B Division police, alleging he was cheated of Rs 18.53 lakh by a man who promised to import machinery components from China but failed to deliver the goods.

According to the complaint, Sagar Patel, who has been in the import-export business for the past four years, told police that he helps local traders procure goods from overseas markets through his contacts. He stated that on Aug 12, 2025, he came across an advertisement on social media, claiming that any type of product could be imported directly from China.

After contacting the number mentioned in the advertisement, Patel was introduced to accused Krunal Bhojak, who allegedly claimed to be based in Surat and assured him he could arrange imports from China and other countries. Bhojak reportedly offered to supply allen bolts used in machinery from Guangzhou, China.

Two days later, Patel allegedly placed an order for allen bolts worth Rs 14.93 lakh and transferred the amount to Bhojak’s bank account. He also paid a commission of Rs 3.63 lakh, taking the total transaction value to Rs 18.53 lakh.

However, Patel told police that the goods were not delivered within the promised 45-day period. When he sought invoices and shipment details, Bhojak allegedly continued to give assurances and made repeated excuses for the delay.

During subsequent inquiries, Patel discovered that Bhojak had duped several others using a similar modus operandi. Police complaints have reportedly already been registered against Bhojak in Surat and Ahmedabad in similar fraud cases.

A case has been registered under Section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).