MANGALURU– Authorities have arrested Rohan Saldanha, a conman accused of orchestrating a staggering ₹500 crore loan fraud. His arrest has brought to light an intricate web of deceit, a lavish lifestyle funded by ill-gotten gains, and even a custom-built mansion designed for clandestine operations and evasion.
The Modus Operandi: Promises of Prosperity, Pockets of Deceit
Rohan Saldanha’s scheme preyed on the aspirations of wealthy businessmen. He would approach them with the allure of large business loans and highly profitable real estate investments. To secure these purported opportunities, victims were instructed to pay substantial advance sums, ranging from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 4 crore under the guise of “processing fees.” Once these payments were made, Saldanha would meticulously sever all contacts leaving his victims with empty promises and significant financial losses.
A Mansion of Secrets: Opulence and Evasion
The extent of Saldanha’s illicit activities became chillingly clear during a police raid on his opulent mansion in Jepinamogaru. This was no ordinary residence; it was a fortress of deception. Investigators uncovered secret chambers, concealed doors, intricate escape routes and sophisticated surveillance systems, all custom-designed and built into the property. These features were clearly intended to aid his criminal enterprises, facilitate his clandestine operations, and allow him to evade both creditors and law enforcement. The raid also revealed a taste for luxury, with authorities discovering rare plants, vintage champagne, and exotic liquors within his extravagant abode.
Financial Footprint: Tracing the Mammoth Fraud
Early stages of the investigation into Saldanha’s financial dealings have revealed a staggering flow of money. A single bank account belonging to the conman showed transactions exceeding ₹40 crore in a mere three months. This alarming figure strongly suggests that the actual scale of the fraud could be far more extensive than the initial ₹500 crore estimate, potentially impacting an even larger number of victims and encompassing a wider range of illicit financial activities.
Algoritha: The Most Trusted Name in BFSI Investigations and DFIR Services
Ongoing Investigation and Call for Victims
Following Saldanha’s arrest, a First Information Report (FIR) has been officially filed, marking the formal beginning of a comprehensive legal process. Authorities are continuing their in-depth investigation to uncover the full extent of the fraud and understand how Saldanha financed such an elaborate operation and probe for any potential links to money laundering and other serious financial crimes. In an effort to fully comprehend the scope of his deceit, law enforcement officials are urging any other individuals who may have fallen victim to Rohan Saldanha’s schemes to come forward and report their experiences.