Mumbai: In a shocking 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 scam came to light in January, and the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) is currently handling the case. So far, six accused have been arrested, including Armen, who was apprehended a few days ago from Madh Road in Malad. Currently in judicial custody, Armen is expected to be handed over to the Bhoiwada Police for further investigation into the forged birth certificate case.
According to EOW findings, Armen obtained a fake birth certificate from the BMC’s F-South Ward to acquire an Indian passport. Since this ward falls under the jurisdiction of the Bhoiwada Police Station, the EOW requested them to file a case. Following an inquiry, the Bhoiwada Police registered an FIR against Armen and two others late last night.
Further investigations revealed that Armen used an address from the fake birth certificate to claim Indian nationality. The Bhoiwada Police visited Jam Building No. 2, Room No. 22 in Lalbaug, where they spoke to society chairman Mahesh Hendra and other members. They confirmed that Garun Ataine and his family lived there between 1975 and 1978 before moving out.
Armen, who has acted in minor roles in Bollywood films, holds a Ukrainian passport. However, he allegedly sought an Indian passport using the fraudulent birth certificate, which stated that he was born in 1976 in Mumbai. Investigations are ongoing.
