Varanasi | A carefully orchestrated fraud involving a fictitious film production has come to light in Varanasi, where an investor was allegedly cheated of ₹2.83 crore after being lured with promises of a big-budget movie project. The case, spanning multiple cities, has prompted police to constitute two special teams to trace the accused and unravel the wider network behind the operation.
According to the police, the fraud was executed in a phased manner across different locations to build credibility and win the confidence of the victim. While the initial pitch was delivered in Mumbai, the illusion of authenticity was strengthened in Patna with an elaborate film set, before the final transaction was completed in Varanasi.
Certified Cyber Crime Investigator Course Launched by Centre for Police Technology
Investigators said the “script” of the fraud was effectively written in Mumbai, nearly 1,600 km away from Varanasi. The victim was first invited there and introduced to individuals posing as film producers. He was presented with a detailed storyline and screenplay and was told that the project involved a substantial budget, well-known actors and a planned multiplex release.
The deception deepened when the victim was taken to Patna, around 1,850 km from Mumbai, where the accused allegedly showcased a fully functional film set. With cameras, lighting equipment and technical staff in place, the setup was designed to resemble an active production unit, convincing the investor that the project was genuine and already underway.
The final stage of the operation unfolded in Varanasi, where a meeting was arranged at a hotel in the Babatpur area. Here, the accused allegedly identified themselves as producers and demanded funds in the name of signing amounts for actors and production expenses. Trusting the representations made over weeks of interaction, the victim transferred ₹2.83 crore in instalments to multiple bank accounts, officials said.
The complainant, a businessman from Karnataka, told the police that the introduction to the accused was facilitated through an acquaintance. He said he was repeatedly assured that filming would begin shortly and that his investment was secure. However, after the money was transferred, the promised shooting never commenced and no artists were seen on location.
Subsequent attempts to contact the accused were met with delays and excuses, before all communication channels were abruptly cut off. Realising that he had been duped, the investor approached the police in Varanasi and lodged a formal complaint.
Police officials said a first information report has been registered and investigations are underway based on bank transaction records, call detail records and travel histories of those involved. Preliminary findings suggest that the accused operated across several states and were part of a coordinated effort to execute the fraud.
Sources indicated that at least six individuals are under scrutiny, with links traced to Mumbai, Karnataka and Varanasi. Police teams are currently working to verify their identities, track financial trails and locate their current whereabouts. Officials said arrests are expected once sufficient evidence is consolidated.
Investigators believe the fraud was meticulously planned, with the accused exploiting the glamour associated with the film industry to lower the victim’s guard. The use of multiple cities, staged environments and professional-looking arrangements was aimed at creating an impression of legitimacy.
The case has once again highlighted the risks associated with investment offers in the entertainment sector, where informal dealings and verbal assurances are often relied upon. Police have advised prospective investors to conduct thorough due diligence, verify company registrations, production credentials and contractual documents before committing funds.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are also examining whether similar tactics were used to target other investors. For now, the Varanasi case stands as a cautionary example of how elaborate planning and strategic deception can be employed to execute high-value financial frauds.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
