Kanpur: The investigation into a massive ₹1,500-crore international fraud has taken a significant turn, with fresh evidence placing actor Sonu Sood under closer scrutiny. Kanpur Police have indicated that Sood’s involvement in the alleged scam may extend beyond a mere promotional or brand ambassador role, as documents and financial records point to his association with a Bangkok-registered company linked to the fraud network.
Senior police officials confirmed that company registration papers, overseas banking details and transaction records suggest that Sood was connected to the formation and functioning of Blue Music, a firm allegedly operated in partnership with Suraj Jumani, a close associate of alleged scam mastermind Ravindranath Soni.
Investigators say the firm handled transactions worth several crores, opening up an international dimension to the already complex case.
Overseas Company and Financial Trails Identified
Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal said that investigators have obtained documentary evidence related to Blue Music’s registration in Bangkok, along with bank account details and transaction histories.
“These records indicate structured financial operations and sustained fund movement, not a one-time promotional arrangement,” a senior officer said, adding that the money trail is being examined to determine the exact role of each individual connected to the firm.
Preliminary findings suggest that funds generated through investor schemes — some allegedly linked to cryptocurrency investments — were routed through overseas accounts, complicating detection and recovery.
Key Leads Emerge During Custodial Interrogation
According to officials, several critical disclosures were made during the custodial interrogation of arrested accused in the case. Investigators were provided with details of:
- Multiple bank accounts, both domestic and foreign
- Overseas-registered companies used for fund routing
- The operational structure used to collect and divert investor money
Police said the interrogation strengthened suspicions that Blue Music played a functional role in managing or transferring proceeds of the alleged fraud.
Investors Influenced by Celebrity Association
Statements recorded from multiple victims revealed that the presence of well-known public figures played a decisive role in building trust.
Several investors told police they invested substantial sums without conducting due diligence, relying primarily on the perceived credibility that celebrity association brought to the venture.
Investigators are now examining whether such visibility was used strategically to legitimise fraudulent investment schemes.
Probe Expands Beyond Brand Ambassador Claims
Earlier in the investigation, it had been claimed that Sonu Sood was engaged only as a brand ambassador and was paid approximately ₹1.5 crore for promotional activities. However, police say the discovery of a jointly operated overseas company has significantly widened the scope of the probe.
“This is no longer a question of endorsements alone,” a senior officer said. “The existence of a foreign company with shared operational links requires a deeper assessment of individual responsibility.”
Kanpur Police are preparing to issue a fresh notice to Sonu Sood, seeking clarification on his role, financial interests and association with Blue Music. Notices had earlier been sent to Sood and professional wrestler The Great Khali regarding their links to the company, but officials said no formal responses were received within the stipulated period.
Complainant’s Role Also Raises Questions
Investigators have also flagged the role of Suraj Jumani, who initially approached the Police Commissioner as a complainant in the case. With evidence now suggesting his involvement in the overseas company, police are examining why he came forward first.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is analysing whether the complaint was an attempt to pre-empt legal scrutiny or distance himself as the fraud began to unravel.
International Dimensions of the Fraud Case
With the identification of a Bangkok-based company, overseas bank accounts and alleged cryptocurrency-linked fund flows, the case has evolved into a complex cross-border financial fraud investigation.
Kanpur Police and the SIT are coordinating with financial intelligence agencies to trace the complete money trail and determine the extent of international involvement. Officials stressed that conclusions regarding culpability will be drawn strictly on the basis of documentary and financial evidence.
As the investigation enters its next phase, the case continues to draw significant attention due to the scale of the alleged fraud and the involvement of high-profile names.
