Sundargarh cyber police arrest UP man in ₹1.85 crore business email fraud
Sundargarh cyber police arrested a Hapur resident for a ₹1.85 crore business email fraud and recovered ₹1.14 crore for the victim company.
Cyber crime police in Sundargarh district have arrested a 26-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh in connection with a ₹1.85 crore business email compromise fraud, recovering ₹1.14 crore for the victim company, officials said on Sunday. Zubair alias Zubair Khan, a resident of Hapur district, was apprehended on Wednesday with assistance from Uttar Pradesh police and brought to Sundargarh on transit remand on Saturday before being sent to judicial custody. The Cyber Crime and Economic Offences Police Station in Sundargarh district cracked the online financial fraud case by arresting the suspect and presenting him to the local court for judicial custody after a transit remand from a Uttar Pradesh court.
How did the fraud occur?
According to police, the accused allegedly impersonated a genuine business associate of a Sundargarh-based private company. They sent a deceptive email to the company requesting a change in beneficiary bank account details. Believing the email to be authentic, the complainant transferred company funds totalling ₹1.85 crore through two RTGS transactions — ₹65,57,436 and ₹1,19,88,000 — to a newly provided bank account maintained in the company's name. The fraud was discovered when the actual business associate contacted the company about non-receipt of the outstanding payment, prompting the complainant to realize the email was fraudulent. Police said the accused had allegedly used impersonation, deception and fraudulent electronic communication to divert legitimate business payments into a suspected fraudulent or mule bank account.
What has been recovered so far?
During the investigation, police traced ₹1.14 crore and placed it on hold in the concerned bank account. Following a court order passed by a court in Sundargarh, the amount was restored to the victim company’s bank account. Two mobile phones, SIM cards and other relevant documents were seized from Khan's possession at the time of his arrest.
What happens next?
Khan was produced before a court in Uttar Pradesh, which granted transit remand for his transfer to Sundargarh. He was brought to the district on Saturday and remanded to judicial custody on Saturday night. Police said further investigation is underway to identify and arrest the remaining accused involved in the scheme.
About the Author
Malay Ray is a journalist who writes on social issues, human interest stories, startups, inventions, the environment, women empowerment, and tribal life. He has been writing for The Times of India from Rourkela and covering other areas in the Sundargarh district of Odisha for the past three years.
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Who was arrested in the Sundargarh cyber fraud case?
Zubair alias Zubair Khan, a 26-year-old resident of Hapur district in Uttar Pradesh, was arrested by Sundargarh cyber crime police.
How much money was involved in the fraud?
The victim company was cheated of ₹1.85 crore through two RTGS transactions.
How much money has been recovered?
₹1.14 crore has been traced, placed on hold, and restored to the victim company's bank account following a court order.
What method was used to commit the fraud?
The accused impersonated a genuine business associate and sent a deceptive email requesting a change in beneficiary bank account details, leading the company to transfer funds to a fraudulent account.
When was the arrest made and where is the accused now?
The arrest was made on Wednesday with UP police assistance. Khan was brought to Sundargarh on transit remand on Saturday and sent to judicial custody on Saturday night.
Is the investigation complete?
No, police said further investigation is underway to identify and arrest the remaining accused.
Ansuya Minz
Senior District Correspondent, Sundargarh
Ansuya Minz has covered Sundargarh district for six years, reporting on the steel belt's industry, tribal welfare policy, and the Rourkela sports ecosystem. She is based in Rourkela.
View all articles by Ansuya →
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