16 Cr Fraud on Jaffrey Family: BMC Official, Businessman Nabbed in Scam

In a shocking betrayal of trust, the family of veteran actor Javed Jaffrey has been swindled out of 16.24 crore rupees by a syndicate involving a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation official. The Mumbai Crime Branch arrested key player Nishit Patel, with Assistant Commissioner Mahesh Patil among six named accused in the FIR. This wasn't a random hit; it was a meticulously planned operation targeting high-net-worth individuals, including celebrities. The fraudsters weaved a web of deception around a supposed premium commercial development in Bandra's New Kamalkunj. Boasting ties to major developers and officials, they convinced Habibah Jaffrey to pour in life savings. The trigger was a routine BMC tax notice on their Andheri property in April 2024. Introduced via Ali Raza to Patil, Habibah was first assured of tax relief. Patil then steered her toward the 'guaranteed return' project, where Patel hyped existing 150 crore investments and imminent foreign pre-leases. Home demonstrations with fake documents, site visuals, and even a sham registry using biometric gadgets sealed the deal. The family liquidated assets, routing money through obscure firms. Cash, forex, and high-end watches changed hands in the 16.24 crore heist. Patel's confession during questioning exposed the document forgery racket. Khar Police invoked multiple IPC sections against the gang. Beyond the Jaffreys—Javed, Habibah, and Naveed—other artists and elites fell victim. As investigations deepen, the Crime Branch eyes further arrests, mapping the scam's reach across Mumbai's glitterati. Court sent Patel to custody till May 19. This scandal serves as a stark warning: glamour doesn't shield from greed-fueled cons.