(Image source from: PTI)

Create trust through money, complete legal processes, and then disappear after taking huge amounts; this is how a 45-year-old man from Mangaluru tricked numerous business people and industrial leaders. All his hidden places were uncovered after Mangaluru Police raided his expensive house. In a surprising move, the police have taken into custody Rohan Saldanha, who orchestrated a massive scam by enticing business people and industrial leaders with the offer of large loans at remarkably low interest rates. Saldanha pretended to be a top financier and utilized his fancy bungalow in Jappinamogaru, Mangaluru, to project an image of authority, prosperity, and reliability. He focused on extremely wealthy individuals and business owners across various districts and states. He would welcome potential clients to his elegant home and office.

After building trust, he would propose arranging loans for 100 crores or even more. To add authenticity to the scam, he would go a step further by presenting a fake lawyer, pretending to be a well-known lawyer from the area, and would have the clients talk to this lawyer for document verification and other legal formalities. He would then request payment for registration and stamp duty, which accumulated to crores, with some victims even losing Rs 10 crore. Once he collected the money, Saldanha would vanish, leaving his victims shocked and swindled. During the search of his bungalow, the police discovered more than just lavish furnishings. His home had cleverly hidden areas and secret spots, seemingly designed for quick escapes and to stay out of the public eye. Officers indicated that the closets and wardrobes led to secret sections, enabling him to evade detection during crucial moments.

Investigators think this arrangement allowed him to delay or avoid suspicious clients, uninvited visitors, and even police, giving him time to flee or stop communication. Within only a few months, the accused reportedly carried out wrongful transactions worth Rs 40-50 crores. However, over several years, the total fraudulent amount could be much higher. Thus far, the police have filed three formal cases, two in Mangaluru and one in Chitradurga against him. Officials suspect there could be many more victims who haven't reported the scam due to shame or fear. After a complaint from one of the victims, Mangaluru Police arrested Rohan Saldanha and are now broadening their investigation to uncover the full extent of his actions. The police are also looking into possible accomplices and encouraging others who have been cheated to come forward.