How Did CBI Capture a Conman in a Major Impersonation and Bribery Case?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The CBI arrested two individuals for leading a sophisticated bribery scheme.
- They posed as high-ranking officials to exploit victims.
- A significant amount of cash and assets were seized during the raid.
- The case sheds light on the need for increased vigilance against impersonation scams.
- Investigations are ongoing to uncover a broader network of accomplices.
Jaipur, Nov 11 (NationPress) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has apprehended Ajit Kumar Patra and his accomplice Minku Lal Jain for allegedly orchestrating an elaborate impersonation and bribery scheme that implicated senior government officials, enforcement personnel, and private citizens.
As per the CBI's findings, the suspects masqueraded as high-ranking officials from various ministries, enforcement bodies, and judicial institutions to extract illicit funds and undue advantages from gullible individuals.
The duo is reported to have exploited fabricated identities to create an illusion of influence and closeness to senior bureaucrats, leading victims to believe they could pay substantial amounts to “resolve” their official issues.
Investigators disclosed that Patra and Jain regularly employed name-dropping strategies, asserting connections with senior officials to enhance their credibility. They are charged with abusing their false status to gain VIP privileges, which included access to restricted locations, entry to high-security functions, and accommodations in official guest houses.
This case emerged following a raid conducted by the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI), Jaipur, on November 4, 2025, at the residence of Vinod Parihar, CEO of M/s Cybdeer Network Private Limited.
In a bid to escape arrest, Parihar purportedly reached out to the accused, who then requested Rs 18 lakh to “settle” the issue with unidentified DGGI officials.
On November 10, 2025, CBI agents captured Patra and Jain while they were in the process of accepting the bribe amount of Rs 18 lakh, which was sent by Parihar through Jagjit Singh Gill.
The bribe money was recovered on-site. Further searches across Delhi, Rajasthan, and Odisha led the CBI to confiscate approximately Rs 3.7 crore in cash, about 1 kg of gold jewelry, 26 property titles under the names of Patra and his relatives, four luxury cars, twelve additional vehicles, and various digital devices along with incriminating evidence.
The CBI indicated that the duo’s operation spanned multiple states, with indications of a broader network involving accomplices and victims.
Ongoing investigations are set to delve deeper into the case.