Johannesburg – A spelling error of the word “environment” led to the busting of a letterhead scam that involved Indian businessman AVN Reddy – Honorary Chairman of the India Africa Trade Council COMESA in Hyderabad, India.
Allegations have emerged that AVN Reddy used the highly decorated honorary diplomatic position to extort money from various other people.
AVN Reddy was appointed Honorary Chairman of the India Africa Trade Council on 27 October 2022.
Media reports from India allege AVN Reddy was involved in preparing fake letterheads of the Andhra Pradesh government with the title of “Honorary Wildlife Warden” and using the address of a camp office in Jubilee Hills.
AVN Reddy was also accused of blackmailing the organisation that appointed him as “Honorary Chairman” to do trade with African countries, especially COMESA countries which are in East and South Africa.
However, the scam came to light when it was spotted that the spelling of “Environment” was printed as “ENIVIRONMENT” in the extortion letters AVN Reddy allegedly sent using various aliases such as “Arjun Reddy”.
Similar cases have been reported from other respected individuals in the society in which AVN Reddy was allegedly posing as a government official and posting messages blackmailing and abusing them on social media.
A complaint has since been lodged with the Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajinder Nagar in New Delhi.
Asked to comment on the matter this week, the India Africa Trade Council told The Bulrushes that the organisation terminated AVN Reddy from the position of Honorary Chairman on 17 January 2024.
In a statement, the India Africa Trade Council said: “It has been found that Mr. AVN Reddy was involved in using the highly decorated honorary diplomatic position along with the pictures of Diplomats and bureaucrats of the function and he has utilised this position to extort money from various other people.
“Mr. AVN Reddy also used his position of Chairman of appointing his own relatives Mr. Akshay Reddy and Avula Gautami who have been absconding with appointment certificates since October 2022.
“The general public is hereby cautioned that he has no authority of whatsoever nature to transact any business or to receive money on behalf of the organisation.
“The public is alerted, not to enter into any transaction with AVN Reddy on behalf of the Council, any person dealing with him shall do so at his/her own risk and responsibility.”
The India Africa Trade Council warned that it shall not be responsible for the unauthorised and unlawful action of AVN Reddy in any manner.
