Is a Bengal Industrialist and Family Involved in a Rs 300 Crore Cybercrime?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Cybercrime is a growing concern, affecting thousands nationwide.
- Investigation into the industrialist's finances is ongoing.
- Victims have been targeted through sophisticated scams.
- Authorities are working to trace the flow of laundered money.
- A significant number of fake companies have been implicated.
Kolkata, Nov 10 (NationPress) A prominent industrialist is currently under investigation by the Bengal Police concerning a staggering Rs 300 crore cybercrime, according to sources on Monday. It has been reported that over one thousand individuals nationwide have fallen victim to fraudulent schemes involving various tactics, including fake investment applications.
The police have received numerous complaints indicating that a portion of the fraudulent funds was allegedly routed through the bank accounts of the industrialist, his enterprise, and family members based in Kolkata.
Recently, authorities initiated an investigation to scrutinize these claims, verifying the information gathered before proceeding with any decisive measures.
A police representative stated that detectives have visited the industrialist's residence for investigative purposes. They are also interrogating several family members and officials of his company in connection with the charges.
Sources disclosed that detectives uncovered instances of cyber fraud perpetrated through social media by falsely promising investment opportunities and sometimes issuing threats of arrest under the guise of a digital crackdown. More than a thousand individuals across the state and the nation have become ensnared by these cybercriminals, with hundreds of crores of rupees being funneled into various company accounts.
The police noted that cyber fraudsters typically transfer substantial sums to specific accounts, which are then redistributed to others. It is alleged that these 'other' accounts were registered under the names of fictitious companies.
Investigators have also gathered intelligence suggesting that some of the proceeds from this crime were transferred abroad via cryptocurrency. During the course of the investigation, authorities tracked the operations of a private organization.
There are 11 accounts linked to this organization, which has witnessed a significant volume of transactions. The police estimate that Rs 97 crore has been processed through these 11 accounts alone. They have identified a connection to 544 cybercrimes nationwide. The investigation aims to determine whether the industrialist, his family, and their businesses are implicated in this financial activity.
Additionally, authorities have received reports indicating that funds from at least 23 cyber fraud cases have been laundered through the accounts belonging to the industrialist and his relatives.
Initially, the investigation revealed the names of 147 companies, with 73 of them having addresses in the Burrabazar area of central Kolkata, while the remaining offices are scattered across the city. Detectives allege that approximately 1,400 fake companies have been identified nationwide in connection with the Rs 300 crore cyber fraud case.