Celebrity Hairstylist Jawed Habib at Center of Multi-Crore Crypto Fraud Probe
Celebrity hairstylist Jawed Habib and his family have become the focus of a major and rapidly intensifying police investigation into an alleged multi-crore cryptocurrency fraud. Authorities in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, have now filed a total of 20 cases against Habib and his son, Anas, as they unravel a sophisticated scheme that is believed to have duped over 100 investors out of crores of rupees.
The High-Return Crypto Lure
The foundation of the alleged fraud was a high-profile event held in 2023 under the banner of a company named FLC (Follicle Global Company). According to police, it was at this event that Jawed Habib and his son solicited investments from approximately 150 participants. They were promised extraordinary returns, ranging from 50 to 75 percent, on investments in popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Binance coin.
Lured by the celebrity endorsement and the promise of quick profits, more than 100 people invested significant sums, with individual investments reportedly ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹7 lakh. The total scale of the fraud is estimated by police to be between ₹5 crore and ₹7 crore. However, when the promised returns failed to materialize after a year, the investors' dream turned into a nightmare.
The Investigation Unfolds
The scheme began to unravel when the aggrieved investors approached the police. They reported that after collecting the funds, the company was abruptly shut down and Habib, his son, and other associates had absconded. The first formal complaint was registered at the Raysatti police station, prompting an assurance from the Superintendent of Police that swift action would be taken.
As the investigation deepened, the scope of the alleged operation became clearer, leading to the registration of 19 additional cases. Police have also stated that their probe has implicated Jawed Habib’s wife, who was reportedly the founder of the fraudulent company, expanding the investigation to include the entire immediate family.
Mounting Legal Pressure and a Widening Manhunt
In response to the growing number of complaints and the severity of the allegations, law enforcement has significantly escalated its actions. Lookout notices have been issued against all members of the Habib family to prevent them from fleeing the country. Jawed Habib himself has been formally summoned to Sambhal for questioning as a primary accused in the case.
The investigation is now moving beyond the individuals to their assets. Police teams have been dispatched to probe properties owned by the family in Delhi and Mumbai. Authorities have warned that if chargesheets are filed, they will not hesitate to invoke the stringent Gangster Act, a move that would allow for the seizure and attachment of their properties to recover the defrauded funds. The case has transformed from a local investment complaint into a high-profile, multi-state criminal investigation targeting one of the country's most recognizable celebrity brands.
Tags: Jawed Habib Crypto Scam
