In a shocking case revealed on October 4, 2024, a couple from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, allegedly duped over two dozen couples out of ₹35 crore by promising an age-reversing “time machine” imported from Israel. The fraud, which involved claims of reversing age and reducing pollution impacts through “oxygen therapy,” was masterminded by Rajeev Dubey and his wife Rashmi Dubey. The duo established a therapy center named Revival World in Kanpur’s Kidwai Nagar area to promote their fake scheme.
Full Details of the Scam
The Dubeys lured clients, particularly elderly couples, with promises of transforming them back into 25-year-olds using an imported machine from Israel. They attributed the rapid aging process to Kanpur’s high pollution levels and promoted their oxygen therapy as a solution. Victims were offered packages costing ₹6,000 for 10 sessions or ₹90,000 for a three-year plan. Many participants were also encouraged to refer others, expanding the scam into a pyramid-like scheme.
Despite promises, the so-called “time machine” never arrived. Police have stated that airports have been alerted to prevent the couple from fleeing the country, and a manhunt is underway following an FIR lodged by several victims. Renu Singh, one of the complainants, reported losing ₹10.75 lakh in the scam. She further added that more than ₹35 crore was collected from numerous elderly couples across the city.
Investigation and Legal Action
The Kanpur police have launched a full-scale investigation. Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Ankita Sharma confirmed that the couple had disappeared after defrauding their clients, but authorities are optimistic that they will be caught soon. More victims are expected to come forward, which could increase the scale of the fraud.
Senior police officer Anjali Vishwakarma disclosed that the couple ran their scheme through clever marketing and discounts, enticing clients into their multi-level setup. As part of the investigation, the police have lodged charges under section 420 of the IPC, with section 318(4) (cheating) being applied under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Victims Speak Out
As the investigation unfolds, many victims of the fraud are speaking out about their losses. Several elderly couples shared how they were convinced by the promise of youth, with many of them not suspecting any deceit due to the detailed presentations about the machine’s alleged origin and health benefits. One victim mentioned, “The couple seemed genuine, and they gave us hope. It was too good to be true.”
The Revival World center, once buzzing with people eager to sign up, now lies deserted as news of the scam has spread rapidly across the city.
