Interpol Issues Blue Corner Notices in ₹1,000 Crore Torres Jewellery Fraud Scam
Jan 22, 2025 10:12 AM IST
Mumbai: In a shocking turn of events, Interpol has issued blue corner notices against eight foreign nationals allegedly involved in a massive financial fraud through Torres Jewellery stores. This scam has left more than 100,000 investors defrauded of a staggering ₹1,000 crore, all under the guise of enticing promises of weekly returns as high as 6 per cent, along with artificial stones.
Alleged Key Figures in the Scam
The blue corner notices have been issued for seven Ukrainian nationals and one Turkish national, who are believed to be central figures in the Torres Jewellery fraud. Among them are Olena Stoian, director of Platinum Hern Private Limited, the company behind Torres; Viktoriia Kovalenko; Mustafa Karakoc; Oleksandr Borovyk; Oleksandr Zapichenko; Oleksandra Brunkivska; Oleksandra Tredokhib; Artem Oliferchuk; and Lurchenko Igor.
Operations and Arrests
Torres Jewellery, which started operations in Mumbai in February 2024, ran six stores in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, with its flagship store located in Dadar, central Mumbai. The company experienced a sudden influx of funds during the Christmas season when investors were enticed with promises of weekly returns as high as 11 per cent. Several key suspects have already been apprehended, including the general manager Taniya Xasatova, Sarvesh Surve, director Valentina Ganesh Kumar, and alleged hawala operator Alpesh Khara.
Legal Ramifications
A blue corner notice is a serious step taken by Interpol, requesting its members to gather crucial information on individuals related to criminal activities. This is just the beginning, as once charge sheets are filed, red corner notices may follow, intensifying the pursuit of justice in this complex financial fraud case. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has played a crucial role in securing these notices, highlighting the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice.
As we delve deeper into the intricacies of this fraud case, it becomes evident that financial scams can have far-reaching consequences, impacting numerous unsuspecting investors. It serves as a stark reminder to exercise caution and due diligence when presented with investment opportunities that seem too good to be true. Let us learn from this unfortunate incident and work towards creating a more transparent and accountable financial ecosystem for all.
