In a shocking turn of events, a couple from Kanpur, Rajeev Kumar Dubey and his wife Rashmi, has been accused of defrauding numerous elderly individuals out of ₹35 crore (approximately $4.2 million) by promising them youth restoration through an alleged “Israel-made time machine.” This scam has captured headlines since it came to light on October 3, 2024, as police began investigating the couple’s fraudulent activities.
The couple operated a therapy center named Revival World in Kanpur’s Kidwai Nagar area. They claimed to have imported a special machine from Israel that could reverse aging through a process they called “oxygen therapy.” According to their dubious claims, this therapy could transform a 60-year-old into a 25-year-old by combating the effects of pollution, which they alleged was causing rapid aging among residents of Kanpur.
The Scheme
Rajeev and Rashmi Dubey lured their victims with enticing packages. They charged ₹90,000 for a three-year membership that included multiple sessions of this so-called oxygen therapy. Additionally, they offered a lower package priced at ₹6,000 for ten sessions. The couple also incentivized existing clients to bring in new customers by providing discounts or free sessions, effectively turning their operation into a pyramid scheme.
Victims reported that the couple’s marketing tactics were aggressive and manipulative. They emphasized the dangers of pollution and promised miraculous results from their treatments. Many elderly individuals, desperate to regain their youth and vitality, fell prey to these misleading promises. One victim, Renu Singh Chandel, claimed she was cheated out of ₹10.75 lakh (approximately $13,000) and stated that she had introduced several others who also lost significant amounts
Police Investigation
Following complaints from victims, the police filed an FIR against the Dubeys under section 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for cheating. Authorities suspect that the couple may have fled abroad to evade arrest as they are currently untraceable. Police have alerted airports to prevent them from leaving the country and are actively searching for them.
Anjali Vishwakarma, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), confirmed that there could be more than two dozen victims involved in this scam. She stated that initial investigations revealed at least three couples who came forward with complaints, but many others are believed to be affected.
