Thane: The primary accused in an investment fraud scheme that duped investors of crores of rupees was arrested after an extensive manhunt that spanned multiple countries.The accused, identified as Usare, was the primary operator behind ‘Divine Power Forex Trading,’ a fraudulent company that promised unrealistic returns to unsuspecting investors starting in 2022. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Parag Manere, Usare and his associates established the company and launched multiple investment schemes with the enticing promise of 15 percent monthly returns for 15 months in various parts of the state.“The accused floated different investment schemes and promised 15 per cent interest each month for 15 months to investors,” the DCP explained. Lured by these extraordinary promised returns, numerous investors poured their savings into the company’s various schemes. However, the scheme eventually collapsed when returns stopped flowing and the company abruptly shut down operations, leaving investors empty-handed.Following multiple complaints from defrauded investors, the Wagle Estate Police registered a comprehensive First Information Report (FIR) under various sections of the Indian Penal Code. The case also invokes relevant sections of the Maharashtra Protection of Interest of Depositors (MPID) Act.The case was transferred to the Thane EOW, where a dedicated team of officers began the challenging task of tracking down Usare, who fled India following the scheme’s collapse. “The accused reportedly fled India and stayed with a concealed identity in foreign locations such as Dubai and Nepal,” Manere revealed.Using technical intelligence and following various leads, the investigation team finally tracked Usare to Dehradun, Uttarakhand, where he was apprehended on June 13. Usare was brought to Thane.The DCP confirmed that Usare represents the sixth accused to be arrested in connection with this case, indicating the broad scope of the fraudulent operation. A victim alleged that earlier the cops froze the bank accounts, but the investigators then took money to unfreeze them.The investigation yielded significant results in terms of asset recovery, with authorities securing around Rs 8 crore worth of assets believed to be directly linked to the proceeds of the fraud.