Mumbai’s real estate market has once again come under scrutiny after investigators unearthed a high-profile scam involving forged government documents, fabricated official identities, and a deceased individual posing as an Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer. The ₹17.74-crore fraud has triggered parallel investigations by the Mumbai Economic Offences Wing (EOW) and Nashik Police, exposing how influence and authority are being manipulated to exploit investor trust.
According to police officials, businessman and complainant Mohammad Aslam Qureshi filed a complaint at Dindoshi Police Station alleging that he and several other investors were duped by Rupesh Prabhakar Chaudhary, who falsely claimed to be a senior IB officer. Chaudhary allegedly convinced investors he could procure affordable flats under government housing schemes, backed by falsified MHADA and MMRDA documents.
Investigators say Chaudhary’s operation was meticulously staged. He reportedly travelled with armed security, used red-beacon vehicles, and mingled with bureaucrats and celebrities, reinforcing his false identity. Lavish events, including a high-profile birthday celebration attended by well-known personalities, further cemented his perceived legitimacy among potential investors.Between January 2023 and July 2025, Chaudhary and his associates allegedly siphoned off nearly ₹17 crore, promising flats in premium projects across Dadar, Worli, Powai, Walkeshwar, and Byculla. However, the illusion collapsed when Chaudhary died suddenly of a heart attack in Nashik on the same day property registrations were scheduled. It was only after his death that investors discovered his IB credentials were entirely fabricated.
Further inquiry revealed that several MHADA letters and government seals used by Chaudhary were forged in the name of senior housing officials. A senior MHADA representative confirmed that none of the documents had been authorised by the department. The complainant has also raised suspicions regarding the authenticity of Chaudhary’s death, pointing to irregularities in post-mortem findings and alleging continued intimidation from the accused’s wife, who is now under investigation.The EOW has begun analysing financial trails, digital evidence, and WhatsApp communications submitted by the complainant’s legal team. Meanwhile, Nashik Police are examining potential links between the accused and senior officers who may have indirectly enabled his activities.
Urban policy experts note that such cases highlight the need for stricter verification frameworks within India’s real estate ecosystem. “This fraud demonstrates how fabricated influence can penetrate legitimate property markets. Strengthening due diligence, regulatory transparency, and digital verification of land records is essential to protect buyers,” said a real estate governance analyst.As the case unfolds, it raises a broader question how urban trust and governance mechanisms can be fortified to ensure citizens are not deceived by illusionary authority in one of India’s most lucrative property markets.
Mumbai Fake IB Officer Dupes Investors Of ₹17.74 Crore In Massive Real Estate Scam
