Major Corporate Impersonation Scam Uncovered in Bengaluru
A sophisticated case of corporate impersonation and high-value financial fraud has been exposed in Bengaluru, with Mysore Mercantile Company Ltd (MMCL) filing a formal complaint alleging it was cheated of a staggering Rs 6 crore. The company claims a group of individuals, led by one Gagan N Deep, falsely presented themselves as senior corporate social responsibility (CSR) officers of Infosys Ltd to orchestrate this elaborate deception.
Chronology of the Deception
According to the complaint filed by MMCL executive Sridhar on March 30, the fraudulent activities spanned a significant period from September 1, 2025, to March 20, 2026. The primary accused, identified as Gagan, along with associates Chetan, Tejas, and others, are currently untraceable, according to police reports.
The scheme began with Gagan allegedly introducing himself as the regional head (CSR) at Infosys, claiming direct reporting lines to senior company officers. This initial impersonation successfully gained the confidence of MMCL management. The fraudsters expressed keen interest in funding projects undertaken by MMCL's associated body—the Heggunje Rajeeva Shetty Charitable Trust—operating in Bengaluru.
Building False Credibility Through Elaborate Charades
To reinforce their legitimacy, the accused deployed a team posing as Infosys representatives to conduct what appeared to be formal field visits. These visits occurred in Udupi, Mangaluru, and other locations, where the team allegedly reviewed the trust's activities in detail. Investigators noted that this carefully staged due diligence process created a convincing impression of genuine corporate evaluation procedures.
The complainant was subsequently persuaded to pay substantial sums as earnest money deposits (EMDs), which were falsely presented as mandatory prerequisites for securing CSR grants. Acting on these representations, MMCL transferred the entire Rs 6 crore through multiple demand drafts to entities presented as authorized vendors.
Financial Transactions and Cash Handovers
The payment trail reveals meticulous planning by the fraudsters. Significant transfers included:
- Rs 1.7 crore to Anitha Ventures
- Rs 50 lakh to Anitha Ventures
- Rs 75 lakh to Anitha Ventures
- Rs 3.7 crore to ANS Engineerings
In a particularly audacious move, the accused allegedly arranged for Rs 30 lakh to be handed over in cash through a driver near a hotel in Devanahalli, following specific instructions from the fraudsters.
Forged Documents and False Promises
Police investigations revealed that the accused bolstered their deception with professionally forged documents. These included a purported sanction letter dated October 21, 2025, allegedly issued by Infosys, and grant agreements signed in January 2026 for projects with a total value exceeding Rs 350 crore.
The fraudulent agreements covered ambitious proposals, including building 855 houses and establishing primary health centers across various locations in Karnataka. These grandiose plans helped maintain the illusion of legitimate large-scale corporate philanthropy.
Discovery and Police Action
Suspicions finally arose when no funds were released despite repeated follow-ups by MMCL. The accused subsequently became completely unresponsive, forcing the complainant to approach law enforcement authorities.
A senior police officer confirmed that a formal case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges of criminal breach of trust, cheating, impersonation, and forgery. "The accused have gone incommunicado, and intensive efforts are underway to trace and apprehend them," the officer stated.
Investigators have obtained crucial documentary evidence from the complainant, including copies of the fraudulent agreements, demand drafts, and comprehensive communication records. These materials are currently undergoing detailed examination as part of the ongoing investigation into this complex corporate fraud case.
