In a bizarre scam from northern India’s Uttar Pradesh, a couple allegedly swindled USD 41,67,065 (35 crores) from victims by selling an “age-reducing” machine.

The incident took place in Kanpur district and the video went viral on October 4.

Visuals showed the therapy room with seating arrangements, followed by a sophisticated room likely filled with equipment used for treatments.

According to reports, Rajeev and Rashmi Dubey duped more than two dozen couples, promising them a machine that could reverse the aging process. Their promise to youth involved ‘oxygen therapy’ that cost Rs 90,000 per session. Clients, mostly older individuals, were told that Kanpur’s heavy pollution was speeding up the aging process and this machine could help them look 25 again. They even offered discounts through a referral scheme to those who brought in friends.

ACP Anjali Vishwakarma noted the scam revolved around this pyramid-like scheme, but no one saw any age-reversal miracles. With $4.2 million (35 crores) swindled, the victims filed an FIR, and authorities alerted airports to prevent the couple from fleeing. However, rumors suggest they may have already fled the country.

One victim, Renu Singh Chandel, shared her ordeal, revealing how she was offered a free session if she recruited a new client. She unwittingly introduced several others to the fake therapy, falling deeper into the scam. DCP (South) Ankita Sharma confirmed the likelihood of over two dozen victims, and the investigation remains ongoing.