Chinese bizman cheats Kol seafood exporter of 2 cr
Times of India | 1 May 2025
Kolkata: A Chinese businessman is facing fraud allegations after allegedly cheating a Kolkata-based seafood exporter of over Rs 2.1 crore in a live crab supply deal. The proprietor of a Kolkata firm that exports live crabs to foreign nations has lodged a complaint of cheating and threat against a Chinese national, stating that the accused duped them of Rs 2 crore before threatening them on the WeChat platform. Survey Park police have registered an FIR and are investigating the "threat" messages.
The proprietor of a firm in Santoshpur has filed a police complaint against Zhou Lin, who owns an export-import firm in Hubei Province. According to the complaint, Zhou allegedly induced the complainant to supply live crabs starting July 1 last year. Roy delivered 110,745 kits of live crabs valued at Rs 7,61,92,560. However, Zhou allegedly only paid Rs 5,50,95,900, leaving an outstanding balance of Rs 2,10,96,660. When Roy demanded the remaining payment, Zhou allegedly threatened him with "dire consequences", the complaint states.
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"Despite persistent persuasion by me with the offender via WeChat, and through emails sent by me from my business and office, the accused avoided all communication to make any further payment and deliberately declined to take my calls. Lastly, the offender on WeChat criminally intimidated and threatened me not to call or text again, and denied taking any materials or items from my company. He aggressively threatened me that he would not pay any further balance payment," the complaint said. The FIR mentions the use of WeChat though it, along with 59 other apps, like TikTok, has been banned in India since 2020.
"The accused withheld payment after receiving the goods, leading to financial losses to the Kolkata business," an officer said. Police officials confirmed that an FIR has been registered and investigations are underway. "We are examining all documentation related to the transaction and will take appropriate action," said an officer. Attempts to reach Zhou Lin or representatives of Hubei for comment were unsuccessful.
The case has been registered under sections of the BNS dealing with cheating and criminal intimidation. Authorities are exploring legal options for recovery of the disputed amount through international channels.