South region cyber police recently arrested Rahul Gawli, 41, a Chembur resident, in connection with a Rs 7.3 crore investment fraud case. Gawli allegedly allowed his address to be used to open a bank account for a shell company that diverted part of the victim’s funds.
The victim, a 63-year-old south Mumbai businessman, was lured with promises of Rs 31 crore profits displayed in a virtual wallet. The accused was reportedly asked to travel to Goa, where the fraudsters opened a bank account in the fake company’s name using Gawli’s and another accused’s documents. He was assured a monthly payment in return.
The scam unraveled when the victim, after transferring Rs 7.3 crore between March and May, tried to withdraw funds but was repeatedly denied. He was then asked to pay an additional Rs 3.7 crore to access his money, which raised suspicion.
The fraudsters, including a woman named Riya Bansal, operated through WhatsApp groups, claiming to manage investments and promising a 10% monthly profit. The complainant was also misled by fake registration forms bearing a forged SEBI number.
Police officials, led by Senior Inspector Nankumar Gopale and Inspector Suresh Bhoye, are currently investigating the case.
