Torres Investment Scam: Key Accused Lurchenko Igor Traced In Ukraine

Mumbai: In the Torres Investment scam, one of the Ukrainian Gang accused, Ukrainian national Lurchenko Igor, has been located in Ukraine. Igor is among nine foreign nationals alleged to have orchestrated the multi-crore investment fraud before fleeing India, evading law enforcement.

Ukraine Authorities Monitoring Igor's Movements

A senior officer from the Mumbai Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) confirmed that Ukrainian authorities recently informed Indian agencies that Igor, who was under a Blue Corner Notice issued by Interpol at EOW’s request, was traced in May. Authorities in Ukraine are reportedly monitoring his movements closely. The extradition process for the foreigner accused was started, according to sources. He is likely to be brought to India soon.

Ukranian Actor Booked

Meanwhile, in another development in the multi-crore Torres scam, the Bhoiwada Police have registered a case against accused Armen Ataine (48) for illegally obtaining a fake birth certificate from the BMC’s F-South Ward. Along with Armen, two unidentified individuals who assisted him in acquiring the fraudulent document have also been booked under sections 120B, 34, 420, 465, 467, 468, 471, and 474 of the Indian Penal Code.

During the investigation, the Bhoiwada Police discovered that Armen’s father, Garun Ataine, had lived in Lalbaug's Jam Building between 1975 and 1978. Armen allegedly used this information to fraudulently secure an Indian birth certificate.

The Torres Investment scam involved duping many investors with promises of high returns. The fraud came to light after the accused had already left the country, making it challenging for local agencies to initiate immediate legal action. Indian authorities are now working with their Ukrainian counterparts to pursue further legal proceedings.