Ahmedabad Crime Branch has registered a case against a Jamnagar businessman over an alleged ₹3 crore shipping investment fraud.
How Did the Investment Arrangement Begin?
The complaint was filed by Rohitkumar Natwarlal Patel, 46, who operates Abhi Construction Company on Science City Road in Ahmedabad. Patel alleged that Sameer Amit Shah persuaded him to invest in a shipping-related import-export business by promising attractive returns.
According to the complaint, Patel was introduced to Shah by his cousin, Jay Pravinbhai Patel, in August 2025 at Apollo Hospital near Pakwan Char Rasta, where Patel’s father was admitted. Shah allegedly presented himself as an experienced businessman requiring additional capital for his import-export operations. He proposed sharing profits with investors according to their contributions.
On August 22, 2025, Patel transferred ₹50 lakh through RTGS after Shah promised a four per cent return within one month. Shah returned the principal on September 24, establishing confidence in the arrangement, the complaint stated.
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What Led to the ₹3 Crore Investment?
In October 2025, Shah allegedly proposed another investment involving transportation of Jindal Steel pipes from a port. He claimed the contract required ₹1.5 crore and would be completed within three months, promising an eight per cent return. Patel transferred ₹1.5 crore to Shah’s HDFC Bank account on October 16, 2025. Shah reportedly provided security cheques and a signed promissory note acknowledging the transaction.
In January 2026, Shah allegedly claimed that the contract had been delayed and demanded another ₹1.5 crore to avoid penalties and recover the investment. Patel subsequently transferred ₹50 lakh each on January 24, 25 and 26, taking his total investment to ₹3 crore. Shah allegedly issued a ₹3 crore security cheque, six additional cheques totalling ₹72 lakh towards promised returns, and another promissory note.
Why Did the Contractor Suspect Fraud?
Shah reportedly assured Patel that the investment and promised returns would be repaid by March 15, 2026. When Patel demanded repayment, Shah allegedly claimed that the money was stuck because a ship carrying sulphur had been stranded in Dubai amid the Iran conflict.
The explanation raised suspicions because the original investment concerned transportation of steel pipes. Patel subsequently made inquiries and allegedly discovered that Shah had never secured the contract he claimed to possess.
What Action Have Authorities Taken?
According to the complaint, Shah visited Patel’s office during the last week of March with his mother and uncle, who reportedly assured repayment. Shah later allegedly claimed that he was arranging a property-backed loan. However, Patel maintained that no repayment followed despite repeated assurances. Patel accused Shah of obtaining ₹3 crore through misleading business representations for personal financial gain.
The Economic Wing of the Ahmedabad Crime Branch has registered a case against Shah and is investigating the allegations.
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