Rs 16.24 Cr Jaffrey Family Fraud Case: Mumbai Crime Branch Tracks Money Trail, Hawala Link Under Scanner

The investigation into the alleged Rs 16.24 crore fraud involving actor Javed Jaffrey and his family has taken a new turn, with the Mumbai Crime Branch now probing the suspected role of a hawala operator in the movement of funds linked to the case.Sources familiar with the investigation said that officials are looking into the activities of Nirav Gokani, a businessman from Mumbai’s Zaveri Bazaar area, who is suspected of facilitating financial transactions connected to the alleged scam. Investigators believe he may have left India and is currently in Dubai.The Crime Branch is trying to establish how the money allegedly collected from the Jaffrey family was transferred and whether an informal hawala network was used to move the funds. Financial

records being examined by investigators indicate that several transactions were routed through a company called Poojan Technologies before allegedly reaching some of the accused.Officials suspect that crores of rupees moved through different channels over a period of time and are now tracing every transaction to identify the beneficiaries. The probe is focused on determining whether the money was layered through multiple firms to conceal its origin.The development comes as investigators continue their search for suspended BMC Assistant Municipal Commissioner Mahesh Patil, who is one of the accused in the case. Fearing that Patil could attempt to leave the country, the Crime Branch recently secured a Lookout Circular against him. Despite multiple searches, officers have reportedly been unable to locate him so far.The case revolves around allegations that UK-based businessman Nishit Patel convinced Javed Jaffrey, his wife Habiba Jaffrey and other family members to invest in a redevelopment venture in Mumbai’s Bandra area by promising substantial profits. Police claim the investment proposal appeared genuine and was backed by documents and assurances that later turned out to be misleading.As the investigation progressed, Crime Branch officers arrested Nishit Patel and later took co-accused Rupesh More into custody from Santacruz. According to investigators, More allegedly helped create documents that were used to support the investment proposal and falsely presented himself as someone associated with government registration work.Police believe that several companies were used during the movement of funds linked to the alleged cheating case. Authorities are examining the financial activities of firms including Ayaan Enterprises, Harinam Enterprises, Poojan Technologies, Udit Traders, Ashiyan Food, RPP Multitrade Pvt. Ltd., Trod-2 World Trading and Jalor Pay Fintech.Investigators are also looking into allegations that expensive valuables belonging to the complainants were taken during the course of the transactions. These include a luxury Rolex watch valued at around Rs 20 lakh as well as foreign currency of different denominations.Another important aspect being examined is the alleged use of fake registration-related documents. According to investigators, Rupesh More allegedly visited the complainants and conducted procedures that appeared similar to official registration formalities. Officers suspect that photographs, signatures and thumb impressions were collected under the pretext of completing legal paperwork.Crime Branch teams are now trying to trace the devices and equipment that may have been used in preparing forged documents. During questioning, investigators learned that More had experience in graphic design, prompting further scrutiny of his alleged role in creating fabricated paperwork.Several documents recovered during the probe are said to contain counterfeit seals resembling those used by the Sub-Registrar’s Office. Authorities are verifying whether similar forged seals were used in other transactions and whether additional people may have been targeted through the same modus operandi.The FIR in the matter was registered at Khar Police Station against Nishit Patel, Mahesh Patil, Rupesh More and others under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. With the investigation expanding from an alleged investment fraud to possible hawala transactions and document forgery, the Crime Branch is continuing to follow the money trail and identify everyone involved in the alleged conspiracy.