Police Officers in South Mumbai have a new challenge to crack — a gang of slick Iranian nationals who have been duping unassuming suspects across banks and stores using good old haath ki safai. In the most recent incident, the gang targeted a foreign exchange company in Fort. The MRA Marg police station has registered an FIR under Section 420 (Cheating) and 34 (Common Intentions) against two unidentified persons in the matter. A police officer said, “A few of the gang’s members are already in jail. Once they are released, they are sure to dupe people again.” The officer added, “They use sleight of hand and are known to pocket money from the possession of victims without them realising something is amiss.”

In an incident dated February 16, the gang worked their magic at UAE Exchange And Finance Ltd. Company, which has a branch at Old Custom house. The complainant in the case is identified as Pushpendra Bihari, 26, cashier at the company. Bihari said, “It was 3.20 pm when the incident took place. Business was dull. Just then, two men entered. One was about 25 years old and the other must have been 45. They came in posing as father and son.”