Mumbai investment scam: Nine-member inter-state gang accused in INR 3.25 crore cheating case

Mumbai Police have booked nine people for allegedly cheating and extorting about Rs 3.25 crore from a city businessman. Police said the group also assaulted and threatened the victim and a company general manager. The case was registered at Vile Parle police station. The matter has now been transferred to the Mumbai Crime Branch for investigation.

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Police said the accused include two women and are linked to Mumbai, Odisha, Bihar, and Jharkhand. An official said the FIR lists several charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita BNS. The sections include cheating, criminal breach of trust, extortion, causing grievous hurt, and issuing death threats. Police said verification was done before registering the case.

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita BNS case details from Vile Parle police

The complainant runs a private enterprise, police said. In July 2025, the complainant met four accused who claimed to be brokers. Police said the group urged an investment in a firm called Arkship Group. They promised high returns, the official said. The businessman then transferred Rs 1 crore online, believing the offer was genuine.

Later, the victim found the money had gone elsewhere, police said. The official said the amount was routed to the account of an NGO, Manav Dharmayog. When the businessman questioned the accused, a meeting was fixed in Vile Parle. Police said the victim attended with the company’s general manager at a hotel near the Western Express Highway.

Mumbai Crime Branch probes Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita BNS extortion claims

At the hotel, the gang allegedly attacked both men and issued threats, police said. The official said the accused pointed a gun and demanded Rs 3 crore as ransom. Police said the group threatened to kill the businessman if payment was not made. The businessman then sent about Rs 2.25 crore online to accounts shared by the accused.

After the transfers, the accused let the victim leave, police said. The official said the group warned of serious consequences if police were informed. The businessman later spoke to family members and friends, police said. Following that advice, the victim approached police and filed a complaint detailing the alleged cheating and extortion.

Police said the case is now with the Mumbai Crime Branch for further action. The official said early checks indicate the accused may be linked to a wider interstate network. Investigators are expected to examine the bank accounts used for transfers. Police are also likely to verify the roles of each accused named in the FIR.

With inputs from PTI