YouTuber Ravindra Balu Bharti Scam: The Rise and Fall of a Finfluencer

Ravindra Balu Bharti is a prominent YouTuber and stock market influencer who gained significant popularity in India. He is the founder of Ravindra Bharti Education Institute Private Limited (RBEIPL), a company that claimed to provide stock market training and education. Bharti amassed a substantial following on social media, with over 1.9 million subscribers across two YouTube channels: “Bharti Share Market Marathi” (10.8 lakh subscribers) and “Bharti Share Market – Hindi” (8.33 lakh subscribers).

About Early Life

While specific details about Ravindra Balu Bharti’s early life are limited, it is known that he is the son of Balu Motiram, who was an Authorized Person of stock-broker ABC Limited. Bharti co-founded RBEIPL in 2016 along with his wife, Shubhangi Bharti. He served as a director of the company from February 3, 2016, to October 3, 2023.

Fraud Name

The fraud committed by Ravindra Balu Bharti and his company can be termed as an “Unregistered Investment Advisory Scam.”

Scam / Fraud Year

The exact duration of the fraudulent activities is not specified, but the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) took action against Bharti and his company in December 2024.

Total Scam / Fraud Amount

SEBI ordered Ravindra Balu Bharti and his company to return Rs 9.5 crore, which was the amount earned through their unlawful activities.

Modus Operandi

Ravindra Balu Bharti and RBEIPL employed several deceptive tactics to lure inexperienced investors:

1. Leveraging social media influence: Bharti used his popular YouTube channels to attract followers into risky investments.
2. Unregistered advisory services: The company provided investment advice and trade recommendations without proper SEBI registration.
3. False promises: They marketed “high returns” to investors without adequately disclosing the associated risks.
4. Multiple investment plans: The company sold various investment plans to the same clients, limiting their decision-making autonomy.
5. Incomplete disclosures: Clients were not fully informed about the risks involved or provided with complete financial disclosures.
6. Exaggerated returns: Investors were lured with promises of returns ranging from 25% to 1000%.

How Was the YouTuber Ravindra Balu Bharti Scam Uncovered?

SEBI conducted an investigation into the activities of Ravindra Balu Bharti and RBEIPL. The regulatory body found that they were operating an unregistered investment advisory business, targeting inexperienced investors through their YouTube channels and company premises.

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Arresting the Mastermind Behind the Scam

As of the available information, there is no mention of an arrest. However, SEBI has taken strict action against Ravindra Balu Bharti and his associates.

Current Scenarios

SEBI has imposed several penalties and restrictions on Ravindra Balu Bharti and his company:

1. Market ban: Bharti, RBEIPL, and their associates are barred from participating in the securities market until April 4, 2025.
2. Refund order: They must return Rs 9.5 crore earned through unlawful activities.
3. Advisory prohibition: They are prohibited from offering investment advisory services without proper SEBI registration.
4. Additional penalties: SEBI has levied an additional penalty of Rs 10 lakh on Bharti and his associates.
5. Escrow account: Bharti has been directed to deposit over Rs 12 crore in an interest-bearing Escrow Account created specifically for this purpose.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of regulatory compliance in the financial sector and the potential consequences of misleading investors through social media platforms.