Rs 300 crore Vizhinjam port fraud: Forged signature of Divya S Iyer used; Malappuram native on the run

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A Rs 300 crore fraud has been reported in the name of the Vizhinjam port project using fake documents. The Thampanoor police have registered a case against PT Salmanul Faris, a native of Thazhathangadi in Malappuram, following a complaint from the CEO of Vizhinjam Seaport Limited. The accused is currently absconding. City police have said that anyone who has made payments in the name of Vizhinjam should immediately contact the Thampanoor police station.

Police said that the accused swindled money from several investors by claiming that he had secured the tender for a Rs 300 crore container transshipment project linked to the Vizhinjam Port and that it was a government-run project. The fraud was carried out using forged documents to convince investors. Officials said the fake documents carried the forged signature of Divya S Iyer, the former Managing Director of VISL. It is learned that a film actress from Kochi is among the victims. The police have recovered some of the forged documents.

The complaint was registered at the Thampanoor police station on June 5. Officials said the complete details of the scam and the total number of victims will be clear only after the accused is arrested. Investigators suspect that a larger group may be involved in the fraud. They also said that those who helped prepare the fake documents will be identified and questioned.

Police have urged the public to remain vigilant, as such frauds may be carried out in the name of development projects.