Mangaluru Police have arrested Rohan Saldanha, a 45-year-old alleged fraudster who led an extravagant lifestyle funded by duping wealthy individuals and business tycoons. Estimated to have scammed over ₹200 crore, Saldanha’s arrest came after months of suspicion surrounding his opulent way of living in the coastal city.
Saldanha, who posed as a high-profile businessman, strategically targeted affluent individuals from outside the region, including other states and districts. His modus operandi involved inviting potential victims to his posh bungalow in Jeppinamogaru, where the luxurious ambiance, expensive liquor, and polished demeanor created a façade of credibility.
Lavish lifestyle, hidden secrets
Mangaluru Police began investigating Saldanha after noticing discrepancies between his public image and known business credentials. As suspicions grew, a deeper probe revealed a massive fraud operation that relied heavily on psychological manipulation and luxury as bait. Saldanha reportedly lured his victims with promises of large business loans ranging between ₹50 crore and ₹100 crore.
However, he demanded upfront stamp duty charges ranging from ₹5 crore to ₹10 crore, claiming it was part of the loan processing. Convinced by the grandeur of his home and his smooth-talking persona, several businessmen handed over large sums in cash — many without even running background checks or asking for legal guarantees.
Fake deals worth crores
In the past three months alone, police believe Saldanha orchestrated fraudulent transactions worth at least ₹45 crore. The total value of the scams over several years is now believed to exceed ₹200 crore. His victims include influential business figures who were swayed by the allure of easy access to high-value loans.
Saldanha’s arrest came after a complaint was filed by one of his recent targets. When police raided his bungalow, they discovered a hidden chamber, apparently designed for him to hide in during emergencies. Officers had to forcibly break open the concealed door to apprehend him.
Authorities are now verifying financial records and suspect more victims may come forward. Mangaluru Police have urged anyone who may have been defrauded by Saldanha to report to the nearest police station.
