Karnataka: Scamster Involved In Multi-Crore Fraud Arrested, Police Unearth Hidden Chambers, Secret Staircases (VIDEO)

Mangaluru: Mangaluru City Police have arrested 45-year-old Rohan Saldanha, the man who conned several businessmen and industrialists by luring them of whopping loans at unbelievably low interest rates. The police nabbed him during a midnight raid. The accused is believed to have deceived several wealthy individuals across India 

The raid was carried out by a team led by Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy and Assistant Commissioner of Police Ravish Nayak. All of his secret hideouts were uncovered during the raid at his opulent house.

Promised Loans Worth Up To ₹500 Crore

Saldanha would impersonate as a high-level financier and allegedly promised business loans worth up to Rs 500 crore and lucrative land deals. He asked victims to pay advance amounts starting from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 4 crore in the name of processing fees and legal clearances. Once the payments were completed, Saldanha would go incommunicado. One of his bank accounts reportedly recorded over Rs 40 crore in transactions in just three months.

His luxurious bungalow in Jappinamogaru helped build up his image and established trust in the minds of the victims.

Used Fake Lawyer To Build Trust

To make his scam look real, he also used to introduce a fake lawyer with the name of a popular lawyer from the region and would make victims speak to the lawyer for verification of documents and other legal formalities.

Recovery From House

The police recovered rare ornamental plants worth Rs 3–5 lakh each, a private stash of vintage champagne and exotic liquors.

His house comprised of escape rooms camouflaged behind walls and cupboards.

His house had surveillance systems with HD cameras covering every part of the property, which helped him to monitor visitors from his surveillance room and evade contact whenever needed.

Escape Rooms

Saldanha used secret exits and escape routes to avoid confrontations with creditors. Police found doors embedded into bedroom walls that led to underground corridors and concealed staircases, allowing him to slip away unnoticed, according to India Today.

The case came to light after a complaint by one of the victims. The police is also probing potential accomplices.

Investigators suspect there might be several more victims who haven't yet reported the fraud due to embarrassment or fear.

Police said a detailed probe is underway to determine how he funded and sustained the crime. They are also investigating possible links to larger financial crimes, including money laundering. A FIR has been registered in the matter.