Kathmandu police have arrested 27-year-old Narayan Datta Khakural from Dhading for allegedly creating fake Facebook IDs to scam people for financial gain. The Valley Crime Investigation Office apprehended him from Lolang Height, Tarkeshwar, on March 3 (Falgun 20).

How the Scam Worked

Khakural targeted Nepalis working abroad by identifying their Facebook profiles and gathering details about their family members. He then created fake Facebook accounts in their names and used Messenger to contact their relatives, pretending to be the real person.

He would send messages claiming that he or a friend was hospitalized and urgently needed money for treatment. To make his request more convincing, he shared a QR code linked to a payment account and asked them to transfer money.

Collecting Cash from Local Shops

After receiving funds, Khakural would visit various shops in Kathmandu, pretending that he had no bank account and that a relative had sent money for his sick friend. He convinced shopkeepers to accept the money in their accounts and give him cash in exchange.

Arrest and Seized Items

Police arrested Khakural and handed him over to the District Police Office, Bhadrakali, for further investigation. Authorities also confiscated:

• One Oppo mobile phone (blue color)
• One black Bajaj Pulsar 150cc motorcycle (Ba.58 Pa 2775)

The police have urged the public to be cautious and verify any financial requests made via social media before transferring money.