Mastermind behind Kodagu fake gold scam arrested; 12 out of 13 accused nabbed

Kodagu Police have apprehended 12 of 13 individuals accused of deceiving the Kodagu District Cooperative (DCC) Bank by pledging fake gold ornaments to obtain loans. Superintendent of Police (SP) K. Ramarajan confirmed the arrests during a press briefing in Madikeri.

The primary culprit, 48-year-old C.M. Mohammed Kunji from Ernakulam, Kerala, was identified as the orchestrator of the fraud. His accomplices include K.A. Nishad (43), P.J. Pradeep (60), Nawaz (47), Mohammed Rizwan (35), Abdul Nasir (50), P.H. Riyaz (39), B.A. Moosa (37), and M.M. Mohammed Anees (42) from various regions of Kodagu, alongside Khatija (32), Rafiq (38), and Farhan (33). Hamsa, the thirteenth suspect, remains at large.

The gang secured Rs. 34.95 lakh in loans by pledging 625 grams of fake gold jewellery at DCC Bank branches and other financial institutions. Police recovered 223 grams of gold-plated jewellery, cash, and an iPhone while freezing bank accounts and insurance investments worth Rs. 3.34 lakh.

Investigations revealed eight cases across Kodagu, with two suspects being habitual offenders from Kerala. Despite prior arrests, they continued their schemes while out on bail.

Authorities are invoking Section 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which imposes stringent penalties for organised crime, including asset seizures. Efforts are underway to confiscate Kunji’s Rs. 1 crore house under construction.

Kodagu Police Arrested 12 Individuals For Fake Gold Loan Scam

Man arrested for cheating Kodagu bank with fake gold ornaments