Maharashtra: International hacker dupes corporate health firm of more than Rs 2 cr

The accused reached out to the latter’s owner via Telegram and requested certain details. Representation Pic

A corporate health company seeking investors lost more than Rs 2 crore in a phishing scam orchestrated by an international hacker. The perpetrator, posing as the corporate communications manager of a Singapore-based firm interested in investing in the company, reached out to the latter's owner via Telegram and requested certain details and sent a seemingly innocuous link. However, when the complainant clicked on the link, it resulted in the unauthorised transfer of Rs 2.20 crore from the complainant's cryptocurrency wallet.

The proprietor of the health company, who also happens to be a chartered accountant, reported the incident to the Maharashtra Cyber police station. A specialised team has been formed to investigate how the complainant's cryptocurrency details were compromised. These links often lead to phishing websites designed to steal personal information, including login credentials, credit card data and debit card details. "Despite repeated police advisories cautioning against clicking on suspicious links, people continue to fall victim to such scams," a police officer said.

The complainant had been actively seeking investors for his company, and a Singaporean company named Khyber Ventures had expressed interest in investing. An E-contract was established between the two parties, facilitated by a certain Luthe Lui. According to the contract, Khyber Ventures had intended to invest $2.49 lakh, equivalent to Rs 2 crore. Khyber Ventures duly deposited this sum into the complainant's company's cryptocurrency wallet.

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However, on June 18, an individual claiming to represent Khyber Ventures contacted the complainant's company via Telegram, purporting to be the corporate communications manager. They requested an online meeting regarding the investment. On June 20, an individual identified as Jenny Kyber sent a link via Telegram, urging the complainant to click on it. Upon clicking the link, the complainant inadvertently witnessed the transfer of $2.49 lakh, which had been invested by Khyber Ventures, as well as $15,100 from his own account. In total, an equivalent of Rs 2.20 crore was siphoned off by unidentified fraudsters. The Maharashtra Cyber police has registered an FIR in connection with the case.

June 20
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