Mangaluru conman’s mansion of deceit: Crores duped through fake loans, hidden rooms uncovered

In a dramatic late-night operation, Mangaluru City Police arrested Rohan Saldanha, a high-profile fraudster from the Jepinamogaru area, who allegedly scammed businessmen across India out of crores of rupees by posing as a powerful financial middleman. The arrest followed a meticulous raid led by Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy and Assistant Commissioner of Police Ravish Nayak.

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Saldanha is accused of running a massive scam involving bogus business loans and property deals. He would lure wealthy investors with promises of loan sanctions worth up to Rs 500 crore and high-return real estate projects. In return, he demanded advance payments, allegedly between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 4 crore, under the guise of processing fees and legal formalities. After receiving the funds, he reportedly severed all communication.

Investigators were stunned by the scale and sophistication of his operations. His lavish home was rigged with hidden rooms, secret passageways, and high-end surveillance systems. Behind decorative walls and wardrobes, police found concealed doors leading to underground corridors and escape routes, suggesting he was prepared to flee at any moment. Rare and expensive collectibles, including exotic plants and luxury alcohol, were also seized.

A financial trail uncovered a staggering Rs 40 crore flow through one of his bank accounts over just three months, pointing to a broader network of fraud. Saldanha allegedly built his credibility by showcasing wealth and falsely claiming deep ties with financial institutions capable of disbursing massive loans.

Authorities are now investigating the full scope of his network, with possible connections to money laundering and other financial crimes. The police have registered a FIR and are urging other victims to step forward.