The Maharashtra Matrimonial Scam has exposed an alleged online fraud where a man posing as an ISRO scientist and government officer reportedly cheated nearly 50 women of over ₹1 crore. Police arrested Adarsh Mhatre, who allegedly used fake identities, forged documents and emotional manipulation on matrimonial and dating platforms to gain victims’ trust. Investigators say the accused targeted financially stable professionals and persuaded them to transfer money for investments and personal emergencies. Authorities are analysing financial records and digital evidence as the investigation continues, while more victims may come forward in the case.

Maharashtra Matrimonial Scam: ‘ISRO Scientist’ Love Fraud Exposed as Police Arrest Man Accused of Cheating 50 Women of ₹1 Crore

A Maharashtra matrimonial fraud case has exposed how a man posing as an ISRO scientist and government officer allegedly cheated nearly 50 women of over ₹1 crore using fake identities on dating and matrimonial platforms. Police arrested Adarsh Mhatre, who reportedly used forged documents and emotional manipulation to gain victims’ trust.

Investigators say the accused presented himself as a highly respected professional, claiming roles such as an ISRO scientist, government officer, and senior engineer to gain the trust of educated and financially stable women.

Police identified the accused as Adarsh Mhatre, a 34 year old resident of Alibaug, who allegedly built elaborate online personas to establish relationships with women through matrimonial websites and dating applications.

Authorities say the suspect manipulated emotional trust and marriage expectations to persuade victims to transfer large sums of money under the pretext of investment opportunities and future financial planning.

The case has drawn attention to rising concerns about online matrimonial fraud in India, where digital platforms are increasingly exploited by organised fraudsters targeting professionals and financially independent individuals.

Police officials believe the accused operated the scam for several years, using at least twelve fake identities and forged identification documents to maintain credibility with multiple victims simultaneously.

Investigators also found that many victims initially trusted the accused because he claimed to work for prestigious institutions, including India’s space research programmes and government departments.

The deception reportedly involved creating convincing digital profiles supported by fabricated Aadhaar cards, fake government identity cards, and manipulated professional histories.

Authorities estimate the total financial fraud to exceed ₹1 crore, although investigators suspect the actual figure could be significantly higher if more victims come forward.

Police officials believe several women have not filed complaints due to social stigma and concerns about public exposure related to marriage proposals and personal relationships.

How the Fake ISRO Scientist Matrimony Scam Targeted Educated Professionals

According to investigators, the accused carefully selected targets who were financially secure and professionally accomplished, including engineers, doctors, bankers, and government employees.

Officials say widows and unmarried professionals were also targeted because they were perceived as financially stable and actively searching for suitable marriage partners through online platforms.

Police sources indicate that the accused used emotional manipulation and long conversations to build personal relationships before introducing financial requests.

In several cases, he allegedly persuaded victims to take personal loans by promising profitable real estate investments that would secure their future after marriage.

Authorities say the accused claimed he needed urgent funds to purchase property or make strategic investments that would benefit both partners once the marriage was finalised.

Victims were reportedly asked to transfer money through bank accounts arranged by associates of the accused, creating additional layers to hide the financial trail.

Police investigations revealed that many of the funds were transferred into accounts linked to the accused’s cousin Prem Mhatre, who allegedly helped facilitate the transactions.

Investigators say the accused later withdrew or transferred the funds for personal use rather than any investment activity.

Police officials also discovered that a significant portion of the money was allegedly spent at luxury hotels and casinos during gambling trips in Goa.

According to investigators, the accused used the fraudulent money to finance an extravagant lifestyle while continuing to maintain relationships with multiple victims.

Police Investigation Reveals Fake Identities, Forged Documents and Gambling Trail

The investigation began after a complaint was registered by an IT engineer from Airoli, who alleged that she was cheated of ₹20 lakh by a man identifying himself as “Swapnil Warule”.

Police say the accused had introduced himself to her on a matrimonial platform while claiming to be an ISRO scientist involved in space research projects.

Investigators allege that the accused persuaded the victim to take a pre approved personal loan of ₹20 lakh, claiming the funds were required to purchase land in Surat as a joint investment.

The money was transferred via RTGS to a bank account provided by the accused, which investigators later linked to accounts controlled by his associates.

Police have managed to freeze ₹14.5 lakh from the transferred amount, preventing further withdrawal of funds.

Authorities also discovered that at least four other women were cheated using similar tactics but have chosen not to file official complaints.

These individuals are currently cooperating with investigators as witnesses in the case registered at Rabale Police Station in Navi Mumbai.

Police said the total financial loss linked to the Airoli complainant and the additional witnesses amounts to approximately ₹97 lakh.

During the investigation, authorities recovered ₹89.4 lakh reportedly spent by the accused at a Goa casino, highlighting the scale of financial misuse.

The accused Adarsh Mhatre was arrested on February 20, while his cousin Prem Mhatre, aged 21 from Panvel, was also taken into custody for allegedly assisting with the financial transactions.

Both suspects are currently facing investigation under multiple criminal charges related to cheating, forgery, and financial fraud.

Also Read: ₹10 Crore Moringa Investment Scam Hits Mumbai.

Rising Online Matrimonial Fraud in India Raises Cybercrime Concerns

Cybercrime experts say the case reflects a growing pattern of romance scams and matrimonial fraud across India, where criminals use emotional relationships to manipulate victims into transferring money.

Unlike traditional financial scams, these crimes rely heavily on psychological trust and long term emotional manipulation rather than technical hacking.

Experts note that fraudsters often build detailed fake identities including professional achievements, government affiliations, and international careers to strengthen credibility.

Such schemes can operate for months before victims realise the deception, by which time large amounts of money may already have been transferred.

Investigators say digital platforms are increasingly becoming hunting grounds for organised fraud networks targeting educated professionals searching for marriage alliances.

The Sprouts News Special Investigation Team has observed a significant rise in marriage related cyber fraud cases reported in major Indian cities over the past few years.

Authorities are urging users of matrimonial websites and dating applications to conduct thorough background verification before developing financial relationships with individuals they meet online.

Experts recommend verifying employment details, institutional affiliations, and identity documents through independent sources before making financial commitments.

Police officials emphasise that individuals should avoid transferring money or taking loans for partners met online without proper verification and family involvement.

The Maharashtra matrimonial scam has once again highlighted the urgent need for stronger digital awareness, platform level verification systems, and public education to prevent emotional and financial exploitation.

Readers’ Appeal

If you or someone you know has faced a similar matrimonial or financial fraud, your information can help prevent others from becoming victims. Even a small detail can strengthen ongoing investigations.

Investigative journalist Unmesh Gujarathi and his team are actively working to uncover such fraud networks and bring the truth to light.

If you have any information, documents, or leads related to such cases, please contact:
Unmesh Gujarathi – 9322755098

“Silence protects the fraudster, but courage protects society. When one voice speaks the truth, many lives can be saved.”