The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has arrested Vijay alias Mukhi Patel, a Vanuatu citizen, for allegedly cheating an Ahmedabad businessman of ₹3.18 crore by falsely claiming he could secure the release of ₹11 crore seized by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Police allege that the accused projected himself as having influence within central investigative agencies and used those claims to obtain substantial sums from the complainant. A criminal case has been registered against five accused, including a lawyer, under provisions relating to cheating, criminal breach of trust, and criminal conspiracy.
Alleged Offer to Recover ED-Seized Funds
According to investigators, the complainant owns an Ahmedabad-based angadia firm that was searched by the Enforcement Directorate in December 2024 as part of a money laundering investigation. During the operation, authorities seized ₹11 crore.
Police allege that shortly after the seizure, Vijay Patel approached the businessman and claimed he possessed strong contacts within both the Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Investigators say Patel allegedly assured the complainant that the seized money could be recovered after deducting approximately 40 percent as expenses.
Authorities claim the accused executed a notarised agreement valued at around ₹3.13 crore to strengthen the complainant's confidence in the arrangement.
Payments Allegedly Made Over Several Months
According to the Crime Branch, between December 2024 and July 2025, the complainant and his associates allegedly paid a total of ₹3.18 crore in multiple instalments.
Investigators state that portions of the payments were routed through the angadia network, while other amounts were allegedly handed over in cash to individuals in Ahmedabad and Mumbai.
Police further allege that the transactions involved the use of coded currency note tokens, which are now being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
Additional Documents and Blank Cheques Under Scrutiny
The investigation has also revealed allegations that the accused persuaded the complainant to sign documents reflecting a fictitious investment of ₹13.2 crore in a jewellery company.
Police allege that two signed blank cheques were also obtained during the course of the transactions.
According to investigators, the complainant later received a legal notice demanding repayment of the purported investment together with 9 percent annual interest.
After neither the ED-seized funds nor the money allegedly paid to the accused was recovered, the businessman approached the Ahmedabad Crime Branch and lodged a formal complaint.
Investigators Examine Wider Network
Police claim that Vijay Patel employed a similar method to target other individuals by falsely representing that he had influence within central investigative agencies.
According to investigators:
- He owns two luxury residential properties in Gujarat.
- He drives a premium electric vehicle.
- He previously spent approximately two months in judicial custody in connection with an alleged ₹120 crore fraud case and is currently on bail.
Investigators are verifying these findings as part of the broader inquiry.
Background and Ongoing Investigation
Police stated that Vijay Patel is originally from Mehsana district in Gujarat.
According to investigators, he lived in London for several years before relocating to Vanuatu in 2021, where he obtained citizenship. He reportedly returned to India in 2022 and has since been residing in the country as an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI).
Authorities continue to investigate the role of four other suspected associates and are examining whether additional victims may have been targeted using the same alleged scheme.
The Crime Branch has appealed to members of the public who believe they may have been similarly deceived to come forward and assist the investigation.
Legal Position
The investigation remains ongoing.
The allegations against the accused have not yet been tested before a court of law. The registration of an FIR, filing of criminal charges, or an arrest does not constitute proof of guilt. The final determination of criminal liability will depend upon the evidence presented during judicial proceedings before the competent court.
Shunyatax Global Insight
Fraud schemes promising influence over investigative agencies represent a recurring category of financial crime, often exploiting individuals facing regulatory action or asset seizures. Investigators typically examine such cases by tracing financial transactions, analysing communication records, verifying documentary evidence, and identifying broader criminal networks. Public awareness remains an important safeguard, as legitimate investigations and asset recovery processes are governed strictly through legal procedures rather than private intermediaries claiming unofficial influence.
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