Alleged M-PAiSA scammer still on the run

The man who was being questioned in relation to the M-PAiSA scam where more than $8,900 was defrauded from a supermarket is still on the run.

Assistant Commissioner of Police - Operations Livai Driu had earlier confirmed the 36-year-old Sanjeet Narayan was taken to the hospital after 1am on Monday after he fell ill, and while getting his treatment, he escaped.

Police say Narayan is a mechanic from Viseisei in Vuda.

The suspect was wearing a black t-shirt with ‘Fijian Drua’ written on it and three-quarter pants when he escaped.

He has a brown complexion and tattoos on both hands.

Police had earlier said the manager of a supermarket based in Nabua lodged a report at the Nabua Police Station claiming that they were scammed by a caller who identified himself to be a Senior Manager of Vodafone.

The suspect told the Manager that he was calling to upgrade the E-ticketing machine and needed the balance left in the machine to be transferred in order to facilitate the upgrade.

Police say more than $8,900 was transferred, and once the transaction was complete, the suspect said he would call after 15 minutes, which never eventuated.

They say investigators managed to track down the number and arrested the suspect who was taken into custody.

Another couple residing in Makoi were also taken into custody for their alleged involvement in the same scam and were being questioned at the Nabua Police Station.

Police say during the course of the investigation and based on the alleged modus operandi, there is a likelihood that the suspect is linked to similar reports lodged at the Valelevu, Nausori, Tavua, Ba, Lautoka, Nadi Border and Namaka Police Stations.

If you have any information on the whereabouts of Sanjeet Narayan then please call Crime Stoppers on 919.

Stay with us for developments.