Bollywood investor admits to $33 mn fraud in US

A high-profile Indian-American businessman with Bollywood connections has pleaded guilty to mortgage fraud amounting to $33 million.

Vijay K. Taneja, 47, owns a company called Financial Mortgage Inc. in neighbouring Fairfax county. He also produced films such as Aap ka Surroor and brought many top Bollywood stars to the area for performances.

The Washington Post described it as the largest mortgage fraud case in Virginia in almost 20 years and among the largest in the country. The paper quoted prosecutors as saying he created bogus mortgage loans and sold legitimate loans to more than one buyer.

Taneja admitted in US District Court in Alexandria on Thursday that he used the money to finance his entertainment ventures, the Post reported.