In a shocking case of cybercrime, Vardhman Group Chairman SP Oswal, a prominent industrialist, fell victim to an elaborate online fraud scheme, losing a staggering ₹7 crore. The incident unfolded when fraudsters posing as Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers contacted Oswal, presenting a fake arrest warrant and threatening him with digital arrest. This intimidation led to the withdrawal of funds from various bank accounts, amounting to ₹7 crore.
Punjab Police swiftly intervened, registering a complaint through their cyber cell. Within 48 hours, they apprehended two of the main perpetrators, identified as Atanoo Choudhary and Anand Kumar Choudhary from Guwahati, Assam. The police recovered ₹5.25 crore of the stolen money and are actively pursuing the remaining seven members of the cyber gang, all of whom are said to be from Assam and West Bengal.
The fraudsters executed the scam by convincing Oswal that he was under investigation for serious offenses, which led him to comply with their demands. The criminals utilized sophisticated methods, including digital tools and fake credentials, to orchestrate the fraud. This incident highlights the growing sophistication of cybercriminals who increasingly target high-profile individuals and businesses.
In a separate but similar case earlier in the week, another local industrialist, Rajnish Ahuja, was swindled out of ₹1.01 crore by fraudsters using a similar modus operandi. These cases underline the urgent need for businesses and individuals to be cautious of such online frauds and to implement robust security measures.
The authorities have emphasized the importance of reporting such incidents immediately, as timely interventions can lead to quick resolutions, as seen in this case. The successful recovery of a large portion of the defrauded amount showcases the efficiency of the cybercrime division in handling such cases, but it also serves as a warning about the vulnerability of even the most cautious individuals and corporations to cyberattacks(Business Today)
