In a significant move to shield citizens from sophisticated financial crimes, the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city police have established a specialized Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) at the commissionerate level. This proactive unit is designed to strengthen preventive action against frauds and deceptive investment schemes that promise unrealistic returns.
Proactive Prevention Over Reactive Investigation
Announcing the initiative, Police Commissioner Pravin Pawar emphasized the evolving nature of financial crimes. He stated that the FIU was created to gather confidential intelligence on suspicious individuals, companies, banks, and financial institutions. "Financial frauds are evolving rapidly, and prevention is as important as investigation," Pawar said. The unit's core mandate is to track suspicious activities proactively and sensitize the public to prevent them from becoming victims.
Structure and Public Outreach Mandate
The newly formed intelligence unit will operate under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ratnakar Navale. Day-to-day operations will be overseen by Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ashok Rajput and Inspector Sambhaji Pawar of the Economic Offences Wing. Sub-inspector Sachin Deshmukh, along with two constables, has been tasked with intelligence collection and ground-level implementation.
Beyond intelligence gathering, the FIU will focus extensively on public education. Its activities will include:
- Conducting field visits across the city.
- Organizing lectures, awareness programs, and discussion forums.
- Interacting directly with citizens to educate them about various frauds like investment scams and multi-level marketing traps.
Early Detection and Citizen Participation
Explaining the unit's crucial role, DCP Navale highlighted that early detection is key. "Many financial crimes can be prevented if timely intelligence is received. The FIU will analyse inputs related to suspicious entities and take prompt preventive and legal action wherever required," he affirmed.
The police have made a strong appeal for active public participation to curb frauds and prevent monetary losses. Citizens are urged to report any suspicious investment schemes offered by individuals, companies, or agencies.
Information can be shared directly with Sub-inspector Sachin Deshmukh on 9511620616 or via the Economic Offences Wing's WhatsApp number: 9226514016.
