Case registered against celebrity hair stylist Javed Habib, family members in investment fraud case in Sambhal

Celebrity hair stylist Javed Habib and his family are in legal trouble after the Sambhal police filed at least 21 FIRs against him, claiming that he participated in a multi-crore investment fraud through a scheme launched by Follicle Global Company.

Habib, his wife, son and their associates are accused of allegedly helping form Follicle Global Company (FLC). The company was marketed to investors with the promise of high returns.

The enforcement charges cite sections 420 (cheating) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code, the Indian Express reports.

A surveillance notice was issued, and multiple FIRs were filed after it was claimed that over 400 investors were defrauded. The Habib family denied any connection to the company, saying he was just a special guest at a promotional event.

Investigators allege that the fraud scheme involved collecting investments and selling ‘FLC Coin’ with the guarantee that its value would increase over time. According to Asmoli circle officer Kuldeep Kumar, the accused used the name Habib to get legality and operated an office in Sambhal.

Raisatti SHO Bobinder Kumar claimed that Habib used his associate Saif-ul-Hassan to mislead people. The matter came to light when a local named Mohammad Hilal reported losing ₹4.59 lakh after investing.

Around 400 investors are reportedly affected. More FIRs were filed as additional victims came forward, claiming that the criminals made crores of rupees before shutting down the business.

Officials suggest individual investments to be in the range of ₹5 lakh to ₹7 lakh, with the total alleged scam amount being between ₹5 crore to ₹7 crore. Habib and his son were present at an investment promotion program in Sarayateen area of ​​Sambhal in 2023.

However, Habib’s legal team disputes any operational role for him. His lawyer Pawan Kumar said, Habib had attended an event as the ‘chief guest’. Yet, he had no business ties to FLC, and is not explicitly named in any of the FIRs.

Kumar said, “No FIR has been registered in the name of Javed Habib. He often attends seminars across India on hair and beauty. His role at the Sambhal event was limited to being the chief guest and not to becoming a business partner.”

Kumar said Habib’s family publicly stated their lack of connection with the FLC in a notification published on January 22, 2023. Habib’s brother Imran also urged that the judicial process should continue. “Let the law take its course,” he said.