B'luru Cyber Heist: Did an Employee Facilitate the Theft of Rs 378 Crore?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Cyber crime is a growing concern.
- Employee involvement can complicate investigations.
- Robust security measures are essential for companies.
- Authorities are actively pursuing the case.
- Awareness of cyber threats is crucial for everyone.
Bengaluru, July 30 (NationPress) A significant incident of cyber crime has emerged in Bengaluru, where hackers gained unauthorized access to a company’s server, leading to the theft of around Rs 378 crore. The organization suspects a potential connection to one of its employees.
The FIR has been filed at the Whitefield Cybercrime, Economic Offences, and Narcotics (CEN) Police Station. The complaint was registered by Nebilo Technologies Private Limited, situated in Vaishnavi Tech Park near Bellandur. The complaint was submitted by Hardeep Singh, the Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs.
Suspicion has fallen on Rahul Agarwal, a part-time staff member, who is currently in police custody.
As detailed in the FIR, the company functions as a platform for cryptocurrency trading and transactions.
On July 19, at approximately 2:37 a.m., an unidentified hacker accessed the company's wallet and transferred 1 USDT to a different account. Later, around 9:40 a.m., the same hacker transferred $40 million (around Rs 378.95 crore) to their own account, subsequently dispersing the funds across six various accounts.
Upon investigating the breach and fund transfers, it was revealed that the laptop belonging to employee Rahul Agarwal had been compromised. When interrogated, Agarwal stated he had been employed on a part-time basis for a year and used the laptop exclusively for company-related activities.
However, it was discovered that the laptop had also been utilized for personal tasks, in violation of company protocols. The FIR raises suspicions regarding Rahul Agarwal's potential involvement in the crime, possibly in collaboration with others.
The police have filed charges against Rahul Agarwal and unidentified accomplices under Sections 66, 43, 66(C), and 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, alongside Sections 303, 316(4), 318(4), and 319(2) of the BNS Act.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the situation, and more information is anticipated to surface as the inquiry progresses.
Cyber crime remains a pressing concern, with many individuals falling prey to such incidents over the years, losing their hard-earned money. Nonetheless, dedicated efforts by law enforcement have resolved numerous cases, leading to the recovery of substantial amounts of stolen funds.