The proprietors of the well-known eatery “Saleem Javed Rule the Rolls” in Delhi’s Khan Market have allegedly engaged in a scheme that involved renting their bank account to suspected cybercriminals in exchange for a commission, due to financial difficulties. This account was reportedly utilized as a mule account, facilitating the transfer of over Rs 3.3 crore linked to fraudulent activities, which led to the apprehension of one of the owners, Mohammad Javed, on Tuesday. His brother and business partner, Mohammad Saleem, has been placed under a court order requiring him to maintain peace and good behavior.
Previously, the brothers managed the renowned Khan Chacha restaurant in Khan Market, a family establishment founded by their father, Haji Banda Hasan. The restaurant has since changed ownership and is now run by Navneet Kalra.
As part of a monthly initiative targeting cybercrime, known as Operation Cy-Hawk 4.0, the Delhi Police discovered that the account in question was being exploited by a group of fraudsters involved in “digital arrest” schemes designed to extort money from victims. Investigations revealed that at least 21 complaints were associated with this account, with the total amount of defrauded funds reaching approximately Rs 3.3 crore.
According to DCP Sachin Sharma from New Delhi, the account, registered under the name of Saleem Javed Rule the Rolls, drew attention during the investigation of transactions totaling around Rs 54 lakh, which had been extorted from various victims. This money was deposited into the account before being transferred to multiple other accounts.
During interrogations, Javed allegedly informed the police that the account was originally opened for their restaurant and catering services. However, after facing financial challenges, they opted to share the account details with the fraudsters in exchange for a commission of 2-3%. DCP Sharma noted that they were introduced to an individual named Harvinder Kohli, who provided them this opportunity.
Kohli reportedly connected them with Naseem and Sandeep Dwivedi, individuals involved in the trade of mule accounts. The Dwivedis promised them a commission of 2-3% on every transaction processed through the restaurant’s account, according to police reports.
Authorities mentioned that the suspects attempted to erase their communications with the fraudsters, but digital forensics uncovered evidence on their devices. Two mobile phones and SIM cards implicated in the scheme have been confiscated.
The investigation is ongoing, with efforts to track down the Dwivedis and other intermediaries, as well as to identify more victims. The police have provided the account information and digital evidence to the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to link this case with similar incidents nationwide, stated DCP Sharma.
In response to inquiries, Navneet Kalra clarified that the restaurant has no affiliations with the brothers. “They worked with us over a decade ago, but they have had no connection with Khan Chacha since then,” he remarked.
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