The Crime Branch has apprehended a couple from Mumbai, Akshay Sawant (34) and Pallavi Ghadge (33), for allegedly defrauding multiple individuals in Goa, including jewellers, of over Rs 5.7 crore. The couple is accused of misleading investors by promising lucrative returns from gold trading and offering gold at prices below market rates.
According to officials, Sawant and Ghadge initially gained the trust of investors by selling gold coins sourced from the local market at discounted prices. However, once investors decided to commit larger amounts of money, the couple insisted on full advance payments, assuring returns in the form of gold or profits from the gold trade.
The police revealed that the couple ultimately failed to deliver the promised gold coins or profits, leading to numerous complaints from defrauded investors.