Kingpin of ₹300‑crore multi-State fraud arrested after six months on the run

Sri Sathya Sai district police have arrested Morimi Shetty Suresh, alias Dal Mill Suri (53), the alleged mastermind behind a ₹300‑crore fraud targeting farmers and traders across several States. The accused, a native of Kottacheruvu village in the district, was apprehended in Warangal, Telangana, following a special operation after remaining absconding for six months.

Superintendent of Police S. Satish Kumar, addressing a press conference on Wednesday, said Suri—who earlier traded in grains and pulses—had lured farmers and businessmen with promises of hefty returns. He allegedly collected large quantities of produce and cash from multiple victims and failed to make payments.

The investigation revealed that Suri and his associates had floated several fictitious firms to carry out transactions across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. As many as 57 cases have been registered against him, including 26 in Sri Sathya Sai district and 26 in other parts of Andhra Pradesh.

Mr. Satish Kumar said the accused was also wanted in cases related to white‑collar crimes, land disputes, and offences under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Given the organised and grave nature of his activities, police invoked the Organised Crime Act and detained him under the Preventive Detention (PD) Act. Earlier, the A.P. High Court had dismissed his petition challenging the PD proceedings. The SP added that steps were being taken to seize Suri’s properties and trace his financial network.