22-05-2025
Biz cartel scam swells to Rs 800cr, involving 86 fake firms
Nagpur: The Nagpur police presented a strong argument before the magistrate court on Thursday, seeking extension of remand of two arrested members of the business cartel, which made fraudulent transactions of Rs 800 crore through 86 fake companies in two years.
The amount siphoned off is likely to increase further with cops seeking details from GST and other departments and the probe likely to reach Pune. Two chartered accountants linked to the cartel were quizzed on Thursday to ascertain their role in the scam. Police have launched a search for a bookie, Govind Tanna, and conduit, Riyaz Ali, who generated funds through online gaming and cricket betting through shell companies.
Around 10 accounts were used by arrested cartel members, Bunty Shahu and Jayesh Shahu, to conduct betting transactions with cops zeroing in on the account holders. Another 17 accounts have been traced in the name of Bunty Shahu's family.
Based on the arguments, the court extended police custody of the Shahu duo till May 27. The court had granted bail to GST consultant, Brijkishor Maniyar, on medical grounds. Two other arrested accused, Rishi Lakhani and Arun Harde, were sent to magisterial custody in Nagpur central prison, said crime branch officials.
While Lakhani was involved in hawala transactions for the cartel, Harde ploughed money through the smart city credit cooperative bank, said an official privy to the probe. Crime branch teams are now engaged in searches for remaining accused. Apart from Riyaz Ali and Tanna, police are trying to nab other cartel members — Rajesh Shahu, Anshul Mishra and Avinash Shahu.
Police sources said, Bunty and Jayesh had hired office boys to handle the operation of fake companies.
"Each office employee was given cheque books, ATM cards, SIM cards to generate OTPs, fake receipt books, account books, ledgers, invoices, and transport bills of different companies. These office boys would create fake records," said officials, adding four transport companies are under the scanner.
The probe, under DCP crime Rahul Maknikar and ACP Abhijeet Patil, is being conducted by senior inspector Kamlakar Gaddime and others. "Around 12 places have been searched so far. We have recovered electronic evidence and documentary records which are being scanned now," said an official.
