Gurgaon Police Crack Down on Interstate Fake Gold Coin Racket
In a significant breakthrough, Gurgaon police have apprehended a notorious conman and four of his associates, dismantling an interstate gang accused of orchestrating a sophisticated fake gold coin scam that defrauded a city-based exporter of Rs 2.5 crore and 50 gold tolas. The arrest marks the culmination of an investigation into a decades-long operation targeting affluent individuals across multiple states.
The Elaborate Con: From Broken-Down Car to Multi-Crore Fraud
The incident unfolded in February near Pachgaon Chowk, where a broken-down Audi car became the stage for a meticulously planned deception. Solanki Prabhubhai Gulshanbhai, alias Kalpesh, a 45-year-old with over two decades of fraudulent experience, spotted the opportunity. Disguised in ragged clothing, he approached the stationary vehicle, pretending to be a labourer fresh from an excavation site.
Kalpesh spun a tale of discovering a treasure trove of gold and silver coins during a railway dig, expressing anxiety about selling them without attracting authorities. He offered to part with the coins at a discounted rate, piquing the interest of the exporter. To build credibility, Kalpesh provided a few genuine coins for verification. When the exporter confirmed their authenticity and agreed to purchase the entire lot, the gang executed the scam, delivering mostly counterfeit coins made of brass and gold-plated copper in exchange for the substantial sum.
Arrests and Gang Modus Operandi
The crime branch team from Sector 43, led by Inspector Narender Sharma, made the arrests this week. Kalpesh and his driver, Pankaj Sharma, were nabbed from Vadodara and brought to Gurgaon on April 12, while accomplices Manish Kamlesh Shah and Ishwar Marwadi were apprehended from Gujarat on April 15. DCP Hitesh Yadav revealed that the gang had been active for approximately 25 years, targeting victims in states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
Police detailed the gang's strategy: they conducted recces along highways, specifically targeting owners of high-end cars who were stranded or repairing vehicles. Posing as labourers or JCB operators, they claimed to have unearthed gold coins near railway lines or construction sites, citing fear of police action as a reason for selling discreetly. After gaining trust with genuine coins, they would negotiate deals for larger quantities, offering rates of Rs 25-30 lakh per kilogram to lure victims with promises of high profits.
Historical Dupes and Gang Operations
Investigations uncovered that Kalpesh had previously duped high-profile individuals, including actor Aditya Pancholi of Rs 20 lakh and the personal assistant of Salim Khan of Rs 25 lakh around 15 years ago. No formal complaints were filed in those cases, allowing the gang to continue its operations unchecked. The current case was registered at Sushant Lok police station on April 1 following the exporter's complaint, which detailed the February 13 encounter.
Police also identified a jeweller who allegedly assisted in crafting fake coins that closely mimicked genuine ones. Two women members of the gang, currently lodged in a Kota jail, will be brought on production warrants for further questioning. The probe has led to the recovery of Rs 2.3 crore in cash and 678 grams of gold from the accused, with the income tax department likely to join the investigation.
Kalpesh's Lavish Lifestyle and Legal Troubles
DCP Yadav disclosed that Kalpesh used the proceeds of his crimes to amass significant assets, including purchasing a hotel on the Delhi-Mumbai highway near Karjan in Gujarat. He ventured into the film industry by producing a Gujarati movie titled 'Love You' and attempted to gain political influence by fielding one of his four wives in municipal elections. He was arrested while his wife was filing nomination papers for MC elections in their hometown. Kalpesh faces at least nine FIRs across Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, highlighting his extensive criminal record.
This bust underscores the persistent threat of organized fraud targeting wealthy individuals and the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to curb such interstate criminal activities.
