Police action is intensifying against alleged mastermind Mahfooz Alam alias Pappu Chhuri, as another major fraud case linked to fake firms and illegal financial transactions has surfaced.
In the latest complaint, over ₹118 crore worth of transactions were allegedly routed through a bank account opened fraudulently in the name of a fruit vendor. Along with Mahfooz Alam, his wife Sayra, son Faiz, and brother-in-law Mahtab have been named as accused. Officials say this is the fifth FIR connected to the network, indicating the scale and depth of the operation.
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Documents obtained under pretext of loan
Complainant Mohammad Azam, a fruit vendor from Sarraya, stated that he knew Mahfooz Alam alias Pappu Chhuri from the neighborhood. According to the complaint, Mahfooz offered to arrange a ₹5 lakh bank loan for him. In the process, he collected Azam’s Aadhaar card, PAN card, and other essential documents.
Azam alleged that he was assured the loan process had been initiated and the amount would soon be credited to his account. During this period, he was also asked to sign several documents, which he did without suspicion, trusting the accused.
Fake firm created, crores routed through account
Investigations revealed that Mahfooz Alam, along with Sayra, Faiz, and Mahtab, allegedly created a fake firm named “Azam Enterprises” using the complainant’s identity. A bank account was also opened in his name, but the registered mobile number and operational control remained with the accused.
Police found that transactions worth ₹118.32 crore were conducted through this account. Shockingly, the victim had no knowledge of these financial activities. The accused reportedly retained possession of the cheque book, ATM card, and all banking credentials, ensuring complete control over the account.
Victim misled with ‘blacklisted account’ claim
When the promised loan amount did not reflect in his account even after three months, Mohammad Azam approached the bank for clarification. However, he did not receive a clear response there. Meanwhile, the accused allegedly misled him by claiming that his account had been “blacklisted.”
They continued to lure him with promises of arranging a loan through another bank, keeping suspicion at bay. It was only recently, after learning about suspicious transactions linked to his name, that Azam conducted inquiries and uncovered the fraud.
Linked to ₹1600 crore transaction network
Police sources indicate that this मामला is part of a much larger financial network. Earlier investigations into Mahfooz Alam alias Pappu Chhuri had already revealed suspicious transactions worth nearly ₹1600 crore across multiple accounts.
The network reportedly came under scrutiny during the probe of a ₹24 lakh robbery case in February, where individuals linked to Mahfooz were found involved. This connection suggests that the fraud is not an isolated incident but part of an organized operation.
Main accused absconding, search intensified
According to investigators, Mahfooz Alam went absconding after being summoned for questioning and has been on the run for nearly two months. During this period, he is believed to have taken shelter in Kolkata under alleged political protection.
However, with changing circumstances, police have reportedly traced his location and intensified efforts to arrest him. Raids and surveillance operations are underway to nab the accused.
Family members under scanner
The investigation has expanded beyond the main accused to include his close relatives. Police have already arrested Mahtab and his son, while efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend other accused, including Sayra and Faiz. Authorities are analyzing banking records, mobile data, and digital evidence to unravel the full extent of the network and identify other possible beneficiaries and accomplices.
The investigation is ongoing, and officials expect more disclosures in the coming days as they dig deeper into financial trails and linked entities. The case serves as a stark warning about the risks of sharing personal documents without proper verification.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
