Bengaluru homeowners beware! How this 18-member gang targeted over 100 properties in the IT city

A gang consisting of 18 members is accused of orchestrating a complex scheme involving property fraud in Bengaluru. And according to officials, they have targeted more than 100 properties in the city. They allegedly forged property documents, assumed multiple roles as owners and tenants, initiated legal disputes, forged compromises to deceive courts, and attempted to seize properties based on fraudulent judicial decrees. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), prompted by a property owner's complaint to the High Court, uncovered the gang's activities, led by an individual known as 'John Moases'. The gang reportedly targeted 116 properties in Bengaluru between 2017 and 2021.

Director General of Police (DGP) MA Saleem told Times of India that chargesheets have been filed in 50 cases, with investigations ongoing in the remaining 66 cases. All 18 suspects, including 'Moses', have been arrested, though they are currently out on bail. The gang's operations came to light in 2020 when the High Court ordered an investigation into a property case in Yeshwantpur. Subsequent inquiries revealed similar instances across multiple cases, implicating the same gang in all 116 incidents.

The initial chargesheet, filed last year, focused on a property in Gokul I Stage, Yeshwantpur, measuring 100ft by 56ft. The case involved one B Mani granting a general power of attorney for the property to Sendil Kumar, who claimed tenancy rights in a dispute with an individual named Arun. Sendil presented fabricated documents to support his claim, leading to a compromise decree in his favor.


Upon discovering the fraud, the actual owner of the property appealed to the High Court, prompting a criminal case to be registered with the local police station. The matter was subsequently transferred to the CID, which uncovered the gang's operations. While no instances of property seizure by the fraudsters have been reported, they allegedly extorted money from property owners by leveraging fraudulent court orders.

The gang would approach property owners during possession proceedings, offering to 'compromise' in exchange for substantial payments. Fearing legal repercussions, property owners would often acquiesce to the gang's demands, paying them off to protect their assets.