Hello Mumbai City Desk:
The Mumbai Crime Branch has widened its investigation into a major fraud racket in which accused persons allegedly posed as senior police officers, used forged government identity cards, vehicles displaying “Police” nameplates, and claimed high-level influence within government departments to cheat unsuspecting citizens of lakhs of rupees.
Addressing a press conference at the Mumbai Police Headquarters on July 11, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Raj Tilak Roshan said that while investigating the first case, the Crime Branch uncovered two additional cases of fraud, indicating that more victims may have been targeted by the gang.
According to the investigation, the accused gained the confidence of victims by impersonating senior police officials and falsely claiming influence in government and law enforcement agencies. They allegedly lured people with promises of bank loan approvals, recovery of blocked funds with interest, government-related assistance, housing benefits, and police recruitment in exchange for large sums of money.
The first case was registered on June 26 with Crime Branch Unit-1, in which Mohammad Gaus Ibrahim Khatib alias Dr. Raj Khatib (52) and two others were arrested. The accused allegedly cheated victims by promising to secure bank loans while posing as senior police officers.
During the investigation, another complainant approached the Crime Branch, alleging that the accused had promised to recover blocked funds with interest through their purported government influence and arrange a flat in a housing project. The victim was allegedly induced to hand over cash, transfer money through multiple bank accounts, and even surrender an Apple mobile phone. The total amount cheated in this case was ₹15.90 lakh.
Based on the investigation, Rajesh Badesingh Chaudhary (46) was traced and arrested from Jaipur, Rajasthan, in connection with the fraud.
Following media coverage of the initial case, another victim came forward alleging that the accused had collected ₹12 lakh by promising jobs for three candidates in the police department. A separate FIR has been registered, and the case is currently being investigated by Crime Branch Unit-3.
In an Exclusive Conversation with ‘Hello Mumbai News ‘ DCP Raj Tilak Roshan stated that investigators are examining the accused’s financial transactions, bank accounts, mobile phone data, forged documents, and the possible involvement of other members of the syndicate. He added that as the investigation progresses, more cases of fraud are likely to emerge.
Appealing to the public, the Crime Branch urged citizens to verify the identity and credentials of anyone claiming to be a government or police official before making any financial transactions. Authorities have also requested additional victims of the racket to come forward and report their complaints.
