Former Ducati Showroom Employee Arrested for Rs 5 Crore Fraud

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Former Ducati Showroom Employee Arrested for Rs 5 Crore Fraud in Bengaluru

In a shocking turn of events, a former operations head at a Ducati showroom in Bengaluru has been apprehended by the police on charges of conducting fraudulent activities. The accused individual stands accused of embezzling a staggering sum of Rs 5 crore by surreptitiously selling 21 motorcycles without the knowledge or authorization of the dealership. The incident, which unfolded prior to the employee’s official resignation in October this year, has sent shockwaves through the automotive industry. The case has been registered within the jurisdiction of the Vivek Nagar police station, where a thorough investigation is underway.

This audacious fraud came to light when customers who purchased these motorcycles subsequently encountered difficulties in getting their vehicles registered with the Regional Transport Office (RTO). The revelation prompted the general manager of human resources, CN Mahesh, to promptly file a complaint with the police, leading to the initiation of a comprehensive probe into the matter.

The accused individual, identified as 38-year-old Rakesh from Kukatpally in the Ranga Reddy district of Andhra Pradesh, had worked at VST Ducati Sales & Service on Agram Road for an impressive five years before tendering his official resignation on October 20. However, during his tenure, Rakesh managed to clandestinely sell motorcycles worth a whopping Rs 5.2 crore between July 2019 and September 2023.

Subsequent investigations by the company revealed that Rakesh had surreptitiously sold nine Ducati Panigale, four Diavel, three Multistrada, two Monster, a DesertX, a Scrambler, and a Streetfighter model. Astonishingly, none of these transactions were documented in the official records. It is important to note that these high-end Italian motorcycles are priced anywhere between Rs 10 to Rs 40 lakh, making the fraud all the more audacious and financially detrimental for the dealership.

CN Mahesh, the general manager of human resources, accused Rakesh of depositing the ill-gotten sum of Rs 5.2 crore into multiple bank accounts. Shockingly, one of these accounts was registered under the name ‘Office Facility Suppliers’. As part of his elaborate scam, Rakesh would deposit a portion of the funds collected from the unsuspecting buyers into the company’s account, while retaining the remainder in one of his personal accounts.

According to a police officer quoted by TOI, the complaint has been filed against Rajesh, the perpetrator of the fraud. However, it is crucial to consider the possibility of involvement by other individuals in this complex case. The complaint was formally lodged with the police station after customers who had purchased the motorcycles began visiting the showroom, raising further suspicion and concern.

This incident serves as a stern reminder of the need for stringent checks and balances within organizations to prevent such fraudulent activities. The Ducati dealership is currently cooperating with the police investigation and has undertaken an internal audit to ensure such lapses do not occur in the future.

As the investigation progresses, it remains to be seen whether any additional individuals will be implicated in this high-profile case. The authorities are determined to bring the perpetrators to justice and provide solace to the affected customers. The automotive industry, including Ducati enthusiasts, eagerly await further developments regarding this shocking fraud..