In a coordinated operation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), and UAE police forces have joined hands to bring back from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) the accused in the alleged investment scam of Rs. 88 crore, Vishakha Rathod. Her return was facilitated after a Red Notice was issued by INTERPOL.
Investigators claim Vishakha and her husband, Avinash Rathod, enticed investors to invest in several schemes promising fixed monthly returns. The authorities say that the scheme managed to garner around Rs. 88 crore, which has been reportedly siphoned off from various bank and demat accounts in order to hide the dealings.
Pune EOW Continues Investigation
The case was registered at Chatushrungi Police Station, Pune and is now under investigation by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Pune Police. Vishakha Rathod of Wakad allegedly used the office of the investment firm in Aundh.
The accused have been booked under the Maharashtra Protection of Interests of Depositors (MPID) Act, apart from the charges of cheating. While conducting searches in the investigation, EOW teams conducted raids across Pune, Satara, Lonavala and Mumbai, but the accused had already fled, prompting authorities to issue Look Out Circulars (LOCs) and an INTERPOL Red Notice.
Money Trail and International Cooperation Under Scrutiny
According to investigators, the stolen funds passed through several financial accounts, and investigators are still working up the trail of money, along with who else may have been involved in the alleged crime.
Vishakha’s extradition comes after her husband, Avinash Rathod, was repatriated from the UAE on July 23, 2026, after being found by an INTERPOL Red Notice, issued in June. After arriving in Mumbai, Pune Police booked him for 10 days in police custody and is continuing to investigate the case further.
The CBI, acting as India’s National Central Bureau for INTERPOL, led the international operation in collaboration with officers from foreign law enforcement agencies with the help of Bharatpol.
The latest extradition is part of India’s overall effort to combat economic crimes perpetrated by criminals in foreign countries. Since 2019, the Central Government has successfully repatriated 274 fugitives from 36 countries, showcasing the effectiveness of international cooperation in the fight against cross-border financial crimes.
Also Read: South Korea Arrests Suspects in 12.3 Billion Won XRP Crypto Scam Case
Disclaimer : Crypto News India does not recommend that any cryptocurrency should be bought, sold, or held by you. Do conduct your own due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
