Kanpur | Kanpur Police have unearthed a high-profile investment fraud racket operating across multiple countries. The arrested mastermind, Ravindranath Soni, allegedly used a network of 11 shell companies to defraud not only Indian citizens but also people from Dubai, the United States, Australia, Malaysia and Japan, causing losses running into crores. Police investigations have further revealed that Bollywood actor Sonu Sood and WWE wrestler The Great Khali were also targeted and cheated through misleading investment schemes.
According to officials, Soni had entered into promotional contracts with the two celebrities, which he then used to project his companies as reliable investment platforms. Given the cross-border scale of operations, the Kanpur Police Commissionerate is preparing to forward the case file to the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Income Tax Department, and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for further investigation.
Eleven Companies Under Scanner; Complaints Received From Multiple Countries
DCP East stated that fresh details emerged after Soni’s arrest in connection with an FIR lodged at the Kotwali police station. Soni was reportedly running Blue Chip and 10 other companies in the guise of financial and investment firms. He lured investors with promises of exceptionally high returns and bonuses, only to vanish after collecting large sums.
Preliminary findings indicate that Soni has been operating this racket since 2015, supported by several associates who are now under surveillance. Their roles and financial involvement are being scrutinized.
Documents Confirm Promotional Deals With Sonu Sood and Khali
Investigators have recovered documents showing that Soni had signed promotional agreements with Sonu Sood and The Great Khali. Police officials said these endorsements helped Soni build credibility among investors, many of whom believed that well-known public figures would not associate with fraudulent companies.
DCP Gupta said police would attempt to contact both celebrities on Friday. Some acquaintances of the actor have already been approached, and they have been advised to lodge FIRs at their respective local police stations.
Complaints Received From Abroad; Fraud Took Place Outside India
Several complaints have been received from victims in Dubai, the U.S., and Australia. Since many complainants are not based in India, they have sent their statements and documents via email. Police are advising them to file complaints in their respective countries as well, so that both domestic and foreign agencies can pursue coordinated legal action.
ACP Kotwali confirmed that Dubai Police had earlier initiated an inquiry against Soni. International agencies may seek details regarding how he travelled from Dubai to India. However, Dubai authorities have not yet made formal contact with the Kanpur Police.
Bank Accounts to Be Audited With Support of ED and CBI
Given that most transactions involve foreign remittances and cross-border financial channels, the Commissionerate has decided to escalate the case to central agencies. ADCP said victims from the U.S., Australia, Malaysia and Japan have reported losses, but many complaints lack account details. Technical and forensic banking analysis will therefore require ED and CBI intervention.
Past Cases Registered in Multiple States
Police records show that Soni has been named in earlier fraud cases in Lucknow, Aligarh and Panipat. Investigators are coordinating with police officials handling these cases to gather past financial records, statements, and digital evidence.
Statements From Victims Recorded; Digital Evidence Under Examination
Police have interacted with several Indian and foreign victims through virtual meetings. According to officials, Soni typically promised abnormally high returns, referral bonuses, and guaranteed monthly payouts. The presence of celebrities in promotional videos reportedly played a significant role in convincing investors to put in large sums.
A preliminary report has been drafted and will be sent to the Uttar Pradesh government and central investigative agencies by Friday. Digital devices, financial ledgers, company documents and contractual papers seized from the accused will now undergo detailed forensic analysis.
