Mumbai | In a shocking case of fraud and extortion, a businessman in Mumbai was allegedly lured into a fake investment scheme and later held hostage, with crores of rupees forcibly extracted from him. The total fraud amount stands at ₹3.25 crore, while a manhunt is underway to trace 10 accused involved in the case.
According to the complaint, the conspiracy was executed between July and August 2025. The victim, businessman Ayush Nakra, was approached by a group of individuals claiming to be associated with a large investment network. They promised exceptionally high returns and assured that the investment was completely safe and secure.
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In the initial phase, the accused gained the victim’s trust and persuaded him to invest in a firm. As part of this process, around ₹1 crore was transferred to a purported entity, with the accused claiming it was a routine step in the investment cycle and that returns would follow soon. The smooth handling of initial transactions helped build further confidence.
However, when the businessman began questioning the transactions and demanded clarity over the promised returns, the accused allegedly changed their behaviour. As per the complaint, on August 28, 2025, the main accused, Umesh Kumar Suman alias Subodh Ranjan, along with several associates, confronted the victim.
During the incident, the businessman and his company’s general manager, Pankaj Rawat, were allegedly held captive. The accused reportedly assaulted them and pointed a pistol at them, issuing death threats. Under extreme fear and coercion, the victim was forced to transfer an additional ₹2.25 crore from his company’s account to another entity. This brought the total extorted amount to ₹3.25 crore.
Based on the complaint, a case has been registered against 10 accused, and multiple teams have been deployed to track them down. During the investigation, it has emerged that the entities used for fund transfers could be part of a larger fraudulent investment network. Authorities suspect these entities were being used as fronts to siphon money through fake investment schemes.
Investigators are now closely examining bank accounts, financial transactions and the connections between the accused. Efforts are also underway to determine whether this gang is linked to a broader inter-city or interstate racket operating similar frauds.
Experts say such cases follow a well-planned pattern, where fraudsters first build trust and then gradually trap the victim. Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh noted, “Modern criminals exploit not just technology but human psychology. In investment scams, greed is used to lure victims, and fear is later used to extract money. Unless people remain alert and verify before investing, such networks will continue to thrive.”
The case once again highlights the risks associated with attractive investment offers that promise unusually high returns. Experts caution that investing without proper due diligence can lead to severe financial and personal consequences.
The investigation is ongoing, and officials have indicated that efforts are being intensified to arrest the accused and expose the full extent of the network behind the operation.
