Pune Cyber Police Crack Down on Rs 1.9 Crore Online Fraud, Arrest Two from Belagavi
In a significant breakthrough, the Pune cyber police have apprehended two individuals from Belagavi in connection with a sophisticated online financial fraud amounting to a staggering Rs 1.9 crore. The case involves a construction company based in Hadapsar, Pune, which fell victim to a cunning 'man-in-the-middle' cyber-attack.
Details of the Arrests and Investigation
The accused have been identified as Ajay Ramvilas Yadav, aged 22, and Salman Ghaus Moinuddin Ajmal, aged 32, both residents of Belagavi. The arrests were executed on February 19, following a meticulous investigation that commenced after a formal complaint was registered on January 19.
Senior Inspector Swapnali Shinde of the Pune cyber police provided crucial insights into the investigation. Tracking of financial transactions revealed that the defrauded sum was ultimately transferred to Yadav's bank account. Yadav, who operates a hardware shop and holds a joint bank account, was taken into custody for detailed questioning.
During the interrogation, it emerged that Yadav allegedly shared his bank account details with Ajmal. Investigators disclosed that Ajmal, employed at a garage, lured Yadav with the promise of a commission on the transaction, thereby obtaining his account information. The police are now intensifying their efforts to locate other members of the interstate cyber gang believed to be orchestrating this fraudulent scheme.
How the Fraud Was Executed
According to the complaint filed by the Hadapsar-based construction firm, the company had placed an order for construction materials with an equipment supplier and was required to transfer Rs 1.9 crore as payment. In a devious twist, fraudsters created a fake email address that closely mimicked the supplier's legitimate contact.
Using this counterfeit email, they sent revised bank account details to the company. Without conducting proper verification of the email's authenticity, the company proceeded to transfer the substantial amount to the fraudulent account. The fraud was only uncovered when the legitimate supplier reported not receiving the expected payment, prompting immediate police involvement.
This case underscores the growing threat of cybercrime in financial transactions and highlights the critical need for enhanced vigilance and verification processes in business dealings. The Pune cyber police continue to investigate the matter thoroughly to ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice.
