The Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department (CB-CID) has arrested a Chennai-based key accused who allegedly prepared forged documents to facilitate a large-scale “iridium” investment scam, in which fraudsters cheated victims by promising to release a huge sum purportedly received from the Centre through the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).The accused, Suresh Kumar, son of Ganeshraja, was intercepted at the Chennai International Airport on July 31 after arriving from Bahrain. He was arrested and remanded in judicial custody on August 1. A mobile phone seized from him was sent for forensic analysis.According to the CB-CID, the fraudsters allegedly approached victims claiming that several thousand crore rupees had been received from the Central Government through the RBI as proceeds from the sale of iridium copper. They allegedly induced victims to pay money as service charges and commissions to RBI officials to facilitate the release of the funds.To gain the victims’ confidence, the gang allegedly displayed forged documents bearing the names and emblems of the RBI, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and Income Tax Department. They also allegedly produced fake metal and stones claiming them to be iridium.The case was registered by the Salem Organised Crime Unit (OCU) of the CB-CID on March 15, 2025, based on a complaint from an Assistant General Manager of the RBI. The CB-CID said the investigation has so far established that at least 50 victims were allegedly cheated in the scam. Nineteen accused persons have been arrested and remanded in judicial custody. CB-CID teams have seized several electronic devices, including laptops, mobile phones and printers, besides forged RBI and DRDO documents, fake bank cheques and suspected fake metal and stones.Further investigation revealed that Suresh Kumar allegedly prepared forged United Overseas Bank (UOB) and RBI documents showing fictitious transfers of huge sums of money. He allegedly received ₹45,000 for preparing the fabricated documents. Though a native of Chennai, he was operating from Bahrain, police said.The CB-CID had issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) against Suresh Kumar on August 7, 2025. Following continuous surveillance, he was intercepted upon his arrival at Chennai airport from Bahrain. As of now, the CB-CID has registered 47 cases relating to iridium scams across the State, and investigations are under way. Published - August 01, 2026 07:53 pm IST