Mumbai: A multi-crore fraud case involving actor Jaaved Jaaferi’s wife Habiba Jaaferi has surfaced, with Mumbai Police’s Crime Branch arresting businessman Nishit Patel in connection with the alleged scam. The case, registered at Khar Police Station, has brought into focus a wider network of accused persons who allegedly used false claims of high-level connections to cheat multiple victims, including members of the entertainment industry and other influential circles.
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False claims of influence allegedly used to lure victims
According to police officials, the accused are alleged to have projected themselves as individuals with strong links to prominent builders and government officials. Using these purported connections, they reportedly convinced victims to invest large sums of money in what were described as lucrative real estate and financial opportunities. However, investigators now believe that the entire network was part of a coordinated fraud scheme designed to siphon off crores of rupees.
The complaint filed in the case states that Habiba Jaaferi and her family were among those allegedly duped, with losses exceeding ₹16.24 crore. Police sources also indicate that several other artists, relatives, and high-profile individuals may have been similarly targeted, suggesting that the scale of the fraud could be significantly larger than initially estimated.
The accused named in the case include Nishit Patel, Mahesh Patil, Rupesh, Sagar Mehta, Devendra Padwal, and others. Among them, a BMC Assistant Commissioner has also been mentioned in the FIR, further intensifying the seriousness of the allegations. The case has been registered under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections related to cheating, forgery, criminal conspiracy, and breach of trust.
Crime Branch traces money trail after arrest
Police officials stated that Nishit Patel was arrested following sustained investigation into financial transactions and communication records linked to the alleged fraud. He was produced before the court, where the magistrate remanded him to police custody until May 19. The Crime Branch is now interrogating him to trace the flow of money and identify other individuals who may have played a role in executing the alleged scam.
Investigators believe that the accused operated through a structured approach, first building credibility by claiming access to influential networks, and then persuading victims to invest in real estate projects and other financial schemes. In several instances, victims were allegedly shown fabricated documents and promised assured returns, which later turned out to be misleading.
The police are also examining whether the accused used shell entities or intermediary accounts to route the defrauded funds. Digital evidence, bank records, and property transaction documents are currently being scrutinized as part of the ongoing probe. Authorities are not ruling out the possibility of additional arrests as the investigation expands.
Wider syndicate angle under investigation
Officials familiar with the case have indicated that the fraud may involve a wider syndicate operating across multiple locations, with connections potentially extending beyond Mumbai. The Crime Branch is now coordinating with financial intelligence units to map out the complete network and identify all beneficiaries of the alleged scam.
As the investigation continues, police have assured that all aspects of the case will be thoroughly examined, including the role of each accused and the extent of financial losses incurred by victims. The matter remains under active investigation, with further developments expected in the coming days as more evidence is analyzed and additional statements are recorded.
