Indore-based web developer defrauds Australian client of Rs 1 crore, arrested: Police

Indore:

A city-based website developer has been arrested on suspicion of defrauding an Australian citizen of R10 million after agreeing to develop a videoconferencing platform that could run on Apple devices, police said on Thursday.

Mayank Saluja (42), a freelance programmer, allegedly failed to deliver the product after receiving payment.

According to Jitendra Singh, inspector of cyber police, the complainant Paul Shepherd, a chartered accountant based in Australia, approached Saluji with a request to set up a video conferencing platform.

Mayank Saluja allegedly told him that he had contacts at Apple and could develop a platform that would run seamlessly on iPhone, iPad, and MacBook.

However, he told The Australian in an interview, in order to sign a deal with Apple it will be necessary to set up a non-governmental organisation (NGO).

As per the complaint, Mr Shepherd paid him around AUD 1.77 lakh, which is equivalent to around Rs 1 crore, but Saluja never delivered the product.

The cyber police have acquired the rights to use a video conferencing platform developed by Saluja with the permission of a local court, which prevents the accused from destroying evidence, the SP said, adding that an investigation is underway.

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