Pune Cyber Police Arrest Two More in Rs 66.41 Lakh Fraud Case Involving Construction Businessman
Pune, 12th October 2023: Pune Cyber Police have arrested two additional suspects from Bihar in a fraud case involving Rs 66,41,522. The suspects targeted a construction businessman in Kothrud by impersonating the company’s director through phone and WhatsApp messages.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Belal Shabir Ansari, 21, and Kamran Imtiaz Ansari, 23, both residents of Bihar. Earlier, another accused, Bishal Kumar Bharat Manjhi, 21, from Lakri Khurd, Siwan, Bihar, was arrested.
DCP (Economic Offences Wing and Cyber Crime), Srinivas Ghadge, announced the seizure of 8 mobile phones, 36 SIM cards, 19 ATM cards, and 2 chequebooks from the accused during a press conference today. Notably, a countrymade pistol and 6 cartridges were also seized.
Senior Police Inspector Meenal Patil and Police Inspector Chandrasekhar Sawant were also present at the press conference held at Cyber crime police station in Shivajinagar. The investigation team also included Sub-Inspector Pramod Kharat, and Sandesh Karne, Dattatray Phulsunder, Ashwin Kumkar, Praveen Singh Rajput, Vaibhav Mane, Dinesh Markad, Shirish Gawde, Rajesh Kedari, and Yogesh Vhaval.
The fraud unfolded when the company’s accountant received a WhatsApp call and message, purportedly from the president of the company, instructing him to immediately transfer Rs 66,41,522. Fooled by the message that included the president’s photograph and a note saying “Don’t call, I’m in a meeting,” the accountant complied without requiring any guarantee.
After a technical investigation involving mobile phones, email IDs, and bank accounts, it was discovered that the cybercriminals were based in Bihar. A team of cyber police traveled to Bihar and detained Bishal Manjhi. Further investigations led to the arrest of Belal and Kamran Ansari, who were also involved in a Rs 25 lakh fraud case in Hyderabad. Bihar Police are also searching for this criminal gang.
“Cyber thieves obtain company information and contact accountants through the internet. They impersonate company heads and request money transfers. Given the increasing frequency of such crimes, it’s crucial for citizens to require guarantees during financial transactions,” warned DCP Ghadge.
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