Torres ‘ponzi’ scheme case: Mumbai court allows Ukrainian woman prisoner to use English-Russian dictionary

“The applicant/accused has a right to get the knowledge of the charges and allegations made against her. The applicant is already in judicial custody, therefore, there is no question of tampering in the investigation. The applicant is only seeking use of dictionary for knowing the allegations against her. There is nothing on record to deny the prayer made by the applicant/accused. No prejudice would be caused if a dictionary/book for translating English to the Russian language has been provided to the applicant/accused,” special judge R B Rote said in the order on January 9.

“The Jail Authority shall permit the applicant to use a dictionary/book for translating English into the Russian language as prayed,” the court stated.

Xasatov was among those arrested in Torres ‘ponzi’ scheme case, where over 11,300 investors were duped of Rs 120 crore, according to the Mumbai Police.

The Mumbai police first registered a case on January 6, 2025, when 38 victims had reported a total loss of Rs 13.48 crore after the accused company, Platinum Hern Pvt Ltd, which runs the Torres jewellery brand, promised them high-return investment opportunities.

The Mumbai Police Economic Offences Wing (EOW) and the Enforcement Directorate have filed separate cases against Xasatov and others, alleging involvement in a Ponzi scheme conducted by Platinum Hern Pvt Ltd. Her bail plea was rejected last year. The trial is yet to begin, with some accused still at large.

Investors were promised high returns, but after making initial payments, the company ceased payments from December 2024, leading to complaints from investors, the police said.