Navi Mumbai, August 7, 2026: A 37-year-old Ulwe-based businessman was allegedly cheated of Rs 71 lakh by four persons who promised to transfer Rs 1 crore to South Africa through a hawala network but neither sent the money overseas nor refunded the full amount. The APMC Police have registered a case against the accused and launched a search for them.
The complainant, Prashant Nadar, runs a mining equipment rental business in Guinea, South Africa. According to the police, his business was hit after financial transactions in the African nation came to a standstill in March 2023, leaving him in urgent need of funds abroad.
How The Alleged Fraud Unfolded
To arrange the money, Nadar allegedly mortgaged his wife’s jewellery and borrowed from relatives and friends, raising Rs 1 crore. As regular banking channels were unavailable, he began looking for alternative ways to transfer the funds.
During this time, a friend introduced him to Lalit Sahu, who allegedly introduced him to Ashish Hemchandra Manjrekar, claiming he was an Angadia operator capable of transferring the money to South Africa through hawala for a seven per cent commission.
Believing the claims, Nadar allegedly handed over Rs 1 crore in cash to Ashish Manjrekar on April 18, 2023. Police said Lalit Sahu, Ashish’s wife Manavi Manjrekar, and his brother Mahesh Manjrekar were present when the cash was handed over.
Accused Booked Under BNS
Instead of transferring the money, the accused allegedly kept delaying the transaction by citing various reasons. They later issued promissory notes and cheques, assuring repayment. However, while they returned Rs 29 lakh, the remaining Rs 71 lakh was never repaid, prompting Nadar to approach the court.
Acting on the court’s directions, the APMC Police registered an FIR against all four accused under Sections 318(4), 316(2), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
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“We have registered the offence as directed by the court and initiated an investigation. Efforts are underway to trace the accused, and further action will be taken based on the evidence collected during the probe,” a police officer from APMC Police Station said.
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