Police in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district have issued a search warrant against celebrity hairstylist Jawed Habib and his son Anos Habib in connection with a multi-crore cryptocurrency fraud. The duo is accused of duping over 100 investors by promising unusually high returns through investments in Bitcoin and Binance coins via Follicle Global Company.
The Sambhal police team, led by Sub-Inspector Pavitra Parmar, visited Habib’s Delhi residence in New Friends Colony with the warrant, but he was not present. His brother, Amjad Habib, informed authorities that Jawed no longer lived there. After searching the property for about half an hour, the team planned to move to his Mumbai residence to seize documents and question him.
Authorities filed 33 FIRs against Jawed, Anos, and the company’s Sambhal head, Saifullah, alleging that they encouraged investors to put in between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 7 lakh each at a 2023 event in Royal Palace Venkat Hall, promising 50–75% returns. Total losses to investors are estimated at Rs 5–7 crore. After failing to deliver returns, the accused allegedly shut down the company and went underground.
Habib had been summoned for questioning on October 12 but did not appear, with his lawyer citing health reasons, which police rejected. Investigations revealed that more than 50 people had come forward, confirming large-scale fraud.
Police are inspecting Habib’s Delhi and Mumbai properties and may invoke the Gangster Act, including property seizure, if evidence warrants. The authorities are actively working to locate the accused, secure documents, and ensure justice for the defrauded investors.
