Two directors and three senior executives of a private company based in Dadar have been booked in connection with an alleged Ponzi scheme, which reportedly defrauded at least seven investors of ₹13.48 crore. The Shivaji Park police registered a case against the executives of Platinum Hern Pvt Ltd, which operates Torres store.
Key Individuals Accused
The accused include:
- Directors: Sarvesh Surve and Victoria Kowlenko
- CEO: Taufiq Riya, alias John Carter
- General Manager: Tanya Kastova
- Store In-Charge: Valentina Kumar
Scheme Details
The fraudulent scheme was uncovered following a complaint from a 31-year-old vegetable vendor, Pradipkumar Vaishya, who had invested in the scheme.
- Between June and December 2024, the company offered investors a weekly interest of 6% if they purchased moissanite stones from the company, equating to a 25% monthly return on investment.
- Initially, investors received returns as promised. However, after December 30, 2024, the company stopped responding to their calls.
Police Action
As aggrieved investors gathered outside the Torres store on JK Sawant Road in Dadar (West), police intervened to manage the situation. The case was filed under sections 318(4), 316(5), and 61 of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), along with sections 3 and 4 of the Maharashtra Protection of Interest of Depositors (MPID) Act.
Investigation Progress
- So far, statements from seven victims have been recorded. However, police suspect that the number of victims and the total amount defrauded may increase as more individuals come forward.
- A report has been sent to the Commissioner of Police, and the case is expected to be transferred to the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) for further investigation.
Statement from Authorities
DCP Zone 5 Ganesh Gawde confirmed the ongoing investigation, stating that the case highlights the importance of public awareness regarding fraudulent schemes promising unrealistic returns.
The authorities have urged potential victims to report their losses as the investigation widens.