Pune Couple Escapes to Thailand After Multi-Crore Investment Fraud; Interpol Assistance Sought

Pune Police are on the hunt for a couple who fled to Thailand after allegedly duping numerous individuals—primarily IT professionals—in a multi-crore investment scam. The duo operated under the name Ashtavinayak Investment Firm from a mall in Pune’s Camp area, luring victims with promises of instant loans, EMI management services, and high returns on investments.

Immigration records confirm the couple’s departure to Thailand, prompting police to initiate steps for their extradition through Interpol.

The couple reportedly disappeared in February 2023. Following this, an FIR was lodged at Bund Garden Police Station on March 17, 2023. Additionally, a missing person report was filed by the woman’s sister-in-law at Kondhwa Police Station, stating that the couple and their five-year-old son had gone missing.

Balwadkar

The court has declared them absconding and issued proclamation orders. Despite two lookout circulars being issued in 2023, the couple had already fled the country.

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As part of the ongoing investigation, three employees of the firm have been arrested. Authorities are now coordinating with central agencies to pursue extradition.

In a separate but related financial fraud, a retired private firm executive lost ₹2.55 crore after falling for a social media investment scheme that also promised high returns. After realising the scam, police quickly intervened and managed to freeze ₹56 lakh. However, ₹2 crore had already been siphoned off through multiple accounts and e-wallets, making recovery difficult.

Investigations have linked this fraud to a gang based in Ahmedabad. The suspected mastermind, currently in Pune police custody in connection with another cybercrime, is being interrogated by Baruipur Police for further leads.

Pune Police have urged citizens to stay alert and avoid falling prey to schemes that offer quick and unrealistic financial gains.

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