Mumbai EOW traces Torres jewellery Ponzi scam accused to Bulgaria, uncovers new fraudulent ventures
Mumbai: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Mumbai Police has made a major breakthrough in the multi-crore Torres Jewellery Ponzi scam investigation. Officials have traced the fugitive accused to Bulgaria, where they have set up new fraudulent ventures under different names, including Moissanite Bulgaria and Moissanite Varna.
The main accused, Artem Oliferchuk, along with Olena Stoyan, Oleksandra Borovyk, Oleksandra Zhapichenko, Oleksandr Tredokhib, and Iurchenko Igor, have reportedly opened showrooms in Bulgaria, using the same fraudulent investment schemes as in India. The accused had initially fled to Poland before establishing new operations in Bulgaria.
Authorities have obtained details of websites linked to these fraudulent activities and have notified the Home Ministry. Another arrested accused, Tausif, had also traveled to Sri Lanka to explore locations for similar ventures, suggesting that the scam network is expanding beyond India and Europe.
Investigations reveal that the accused are offering unrealistic cashback schemes, promising 4% returns per week (208% annually) on gift voucher purchases and 2% per week (104% annually) on jewellery purchases, designed to lure investors.
The Torres scam has impacted over 12,783 victims in India, with losses exceeding ₹130 crore. With operations now expanding internationally, authorities are intensifying efforts to track down the fugitives and prevent further fraud.
A Blue Corner Notice has been issued against the key accused, including Olena Stoyan, Viktoria Kovalenko, Mustafa Karakoch, Oleksandr Borovyk, Oleksandr Zhapichenko, Oleksandr Brunkiwska, Oleksandr Tredokhib, and Liyurchenko. Officials are gathering concrete evidence and plan to approach the Union Home Ministry for further action.
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345 Indian fishermen stranded in Iran return home via Armenia
New Delhi (PTI): A group of 345 Indian fishermen, who were stranded in Iran amid escalating regional tensions, returned to India via Armenia on Saturday, officials said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanked his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan for assistance in return of the Indian nationals.
The Indian nationals arrived in Chennai this evening, the officials cited above said.
The circumstances that led to them being stranded in Iran were not immediately known.
"Thank FM @AraratMirzoyan and the Government of Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen today from Iran, through Armenia to India," Jaishankar said on social media.
Over 1,500 Indian nationals have left Iran through land border crossings in Armenia and Azerbaijan since the start of the West Asia conflict over a month ago.
"A group of Indian fishermen, stranded in Iran, are returning home via Armenia today; their flight is expected to reach India this evening," a government statement said.
It said the Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in the West Asian region, with the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community being accorded the highest priority.
It also made a mention of five Indians being injured in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
According to Abu Dhabi authorities, the Indian nationals were among the 12 people injured by debris from an intercepted missile.
"In an attack in Abu Dhabi, five Indian nationals were injured; four have been discharged, one remains under treatment," the Indian government's statement said.
It said the Indian mission in Abu Dhabi is extending "full" assistance and coordinating with local authorities, adding that their flight is expected to reach India this evening.
