Mumbai Firm Faces Rs 7 Crore COVID Fraud Allegations
Even five years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, its shadow continues to linger in unexpected ways. A major financial scandal has now emerged from Mumbai, involving allegations of fraud during the pandemic's peak.
International Complaint Filed with Mumbai Police
A Hong Kong-based French company has formally accused a Mumbai-based business of cheating them out of approximately Rs 7 crores. The company claims they were induced to invest in COVID-19 supplies that turned out to be part of an elaborate deception.
The Samta Nagar police initially registered the First Information Report. The Economic Offences Wing of Mumbai police has since taken over the investigation. An EOW official confirmed they are examining what appears to be an international fraud case.
Details of the Alleged Fraud Scheme
Dr. John Marie Andre, the authorized representative of CDI Hong Kong Company and CEO of MSIC Saarlou Company, filed the formal complaint. Andre currently resides in Lokhandwala Township, Kandivali East, Mumbai.
He has named Ajit Ashok Mane, aged 51, and his wife Anuja Ajit Mane, also 51, as the primary accused. Anuja Mane operates as the sole proprietor of M/s Wonder Products.
The complaint alleges a sophisticated fraud operation that spanned from 2020 to 2022. During this period, the accused reportedly claimed to have secured substantial government orders for pandemic essentials.
How the Alleged Fraud Unfolded
According to the complaint, the accused presented what appeared to be lucrative business opportunities. They specifically mentioned government contracts for disposable face masks, hand sanitizers, and COVID-19 testing kits.
The French company representative states he received forged Memoranda of Understanding. These documents supposedly showed agreements with various companies. Investigation has revealed these companies either do not exist or never entered such agreements.
Relying on these fabricated documents, the complainant transferred substantial funds. Between 2020 and 2022, he sent USD 10,11,930 to the accused parties. Only USD 1,87,345 has been returned, leaving USD 8,24,585 outstanding.
At current exchange rates, this amounts to approximately Rs 6.8 crores. The total alleged fraud reaches nearly Rs 7 crores when considering the entire transaction history.
Police Investigation Underway
The Economic Offences Wing is conducting a thorough investigation. They are examining multiple aspects of the case with particular attention to financial transactions.
Police officials have confirmed they are investigating charges of cheating, criminal breach of trust, and forgery. The probe will verify all submitted documents and establish culpability.
Investigators are tracing the money trail and examining bank records. They aim to determine exactly how the funds were utilized and whether other parties were involved.
The case highlights how the pandemic created opportunities for fraudulent schemes. As businesses scrambled to secure protective equipment and testing supplies, some apparently saw chances for exploitation.
Mumbai police emphasize they take such international fraud cases seriously. The Economic Offences Wing has experience investigating complex financial crimes and will pursue this case thoroughly.
Further developments are expected as the investigation progresses. Police have not yet made any arrests but continue to gather evidence and interview relevant parties.
