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One accused arrested
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Delhi Police arrest 52-year-old Iranian woman for cheating U.S. national of $700; husband still on the run
A 70-year-old Indian-origin U.S. citizen was allegedly duped of $700 (approx. ₹58,000) at Indira Gandhi International Airport by an Iranian couple posing as tourists, according to Delhi Police. One of the accused, Fatemah Akbari (52), was arrested from a guest house in Saket, while her husband Mojtaba Zolfaghari remains absconding, reported thehindu.com.
The incident occurred on June 20 around 10:45 PM near Departure Gate 7 of the international terminal. The victim, Baldev Singh, told police that a couple with a child approached him, requesting to show their child an Indian currency note. Singh handed over a ₹50 note, which the child returned.
The accused couple allegedly swapped U.S. currency with Indian notes in a sleight-of-hand con at the departure gate of Delhi Airport
The couple then requested to see U.S. dollars, prompting Singh to show them a bundle of foreign currency. Although the bundle was returned to him, Singh later discovered that the $700 had been replaced with Indian currency using sleight-of-hand.
Upon receiving the complaint, police analysed CCTV footage and identified the vehicle used by the Iranian couple. A search led officers to a guest house in Saket, where Fatemah was apprehended. During interrogation, she confessed to targeting foreign nationals in busy areas like Lajpat Nagar, Connaught Place, Khan Market, and the airport, citing financial distress as the motive.
The couple is reportedly residing in India under UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) protection status.
A police officer stated,
“We are pursuing leads to track down Mojtaba Zolfaghari, who is still at large.”
Authorities are now urging travelers to remain vigilant and avoid engaging in currency-related interactions with strangers at airports or public spaces.
