In a significant crackdown, Gorakhpur police have apprehended three individuals in Mumbai for their involvement in a multi-crore franchise scam. The accused allegedly duped investors by offering fake franchise licenses for bars, lounges, cafes, and salons of reputed brands. The operation came to light after a complaint was filed by Juhi Singh, a resident of Gorakhpur's Ramgarh Tal area, in December 2025. An FIR was registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), leading to an extensive investigation. Police discovered that the accused utilized forged documents and signatures to mislead investors, collecting payments that ranged from ₹12.5 lakh (approximately $15,000 USD) to over ₹1 crore (approximately $120,000 USD). The investigation revealed that the group targeted aspiring entrepreneurs across various cities, indicating a potentially vast inter-state fraud network. Authorities believe more victims may emerge as the investigation continues.