Loan Fraud Uncovered
In a recent development that has shaken the entertainment and financial circles, the Khar Police in Mumbai apprehended a small-time actor, identified as Feroz
Abbasi, aged 51, along with an accomplice named 'King' Mushir Khan. This arrest took place on Sunday, August 15, following a complaint lodged by a businessman named Kunal Soratia. The charges levied against the arrested individuals include cheating and forgery under the Indian Penal Code, along with criminal conspiracy under section 120B. The police are actively pursuing another associate, Dhiren Gajaria, who is believed to be involved in the elaborate scam. The modus operandi involved promising a substantial loan in return for advance fees, a scheme that has allegedly ensnared at least one victim so far. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities suspecting that this duo may have targeted multiple individuals in a similar fashion.
The Deception Unfolds
The fraudulent scheme came to light when Kunal Soratia, who operates a security firm, approached the accused individuals for financial assistance. In 2016, Soratia sought a loan amounting to Rs 10 crore. He was initially put in contact with Dhiren and Khan, who convinced him to pay a sum of Rs 18.5 lakh as a preliminary charge. Following this initial payment, Dhiren introduced Soratia to Feroz Abbasi. Abbasi, presenting himself as a cousin of a renowned superstar and a film producer, further enticed Soratia by claiming he could secure a loan of Rs 1 crore. He then demanded an additional Rs 10 lakh as advance interest for this specific loan amount. Soratia complied and transferred Rs 7.2 lakh via NEFT to Abbasi and Khan. Post this transaction, the two accused handed over two cheques, one for Rs 25 lakh and another for Rs 75 lakh, but explicitly instructed Soratia not to deposit them, a clear indication of their fraudulent intent. The investigating team is meticulously examining the evidence and believes that Abbasi and Khan, along with their elusive associate Gajaria, have likely executed similar scams against other unsuspecting individuals.
