CHENNAI: They play only a cameo and are paid handsomely for their roles, but they will not be able to keep up the act for long.
While the masterminds of the iridium fraud and their acolytes were arrested, CB-CID is now tracking ‘actors’ who posed as officials of RBI (Reserve Bank of India), scientists from DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) among others at the behest of the scam masterminds, to convince sceptical investors.
One of the masterminds of the iridium fraud syndicate, SHS Swaminatha, for instance, showed his investors fabricated certificates as if the iridium was examined and certified by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). He also convinced investors that he had obtained permission from the DRDO to sell the rare metal, which is often used in aerospace and other hi-tech industries. Police have seized over 500 forged documents from the residences and offices of one group.
When any of the investors raised suspicion and demanded that the money be returned, Swaminatha would arrange meetings at prominent star hotels in any prominent city across India where these ‘actors for hire’ would play their part. “In those meetings, impostors will pose as RBI officials and reiterate the lies already peddled by the syndicate. It’s enough if one of the sceptics is convinced. He/she will convince the others,” a CB-CID official said.
Investigators have so far identified impostors based in Kerala, Mumbai, Jaipur. “More will be arrested in the coming months,” according to the CB-CID.