Fake Facebook Profile Scam Defrauds Insurance Manager of Rs. 25 Lakhs

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Sambalpur Cyber Crime and Economic Offences police have arrested three siblings for allegedly deceiving a private insurance company branch manager out of ₹25 lakh by using a fabricated online identity to promote a fraudulent currency-doubling scheme.

Arrest of the Suspects

The suspects, identified as Jharana Badi, 38, Rajesh Badi, 32, and Rajkumari Badi, 24, were apprehended after investigators traced them to a rented residence in Singpali under Ainthapali police jurisdiction. The trio, originally from Babupada in Jharsuguda district, were taken into custody and presented before a court.

Details of the Arrest

The suspects were arrested late Thursday following a complaint filed with cyber police days after the incident. Authorities recovered ₹15.50 lakh in cash, gold and silver jewelry valued at approximately ₹12 lakh, 20 mobile devices, a laptop, a tablet, a scooter, and fake Aadhaar cards.

The Fraudulent Scheme

The scheme began when Lipak Kumar Pradhan, a branch manager based in Rourkela, contacted cybercrime authorities on June 29, alleging that he had been targeted through a deceptive online profile. The accused created a fake account under the name “Disha Agrawal,” using Jharana Badi’s photograph to establish credibility.

Building Trust and Luring the Victim

Through prolonged communication, the suspects allegedly built trust with the victim before proposing an investment in a purported money-doubling process. Pradhan was lured to a hotel in Sambalpur, where the accused demonstrated the scheme in his presence.

Police Statement

Sambalpur Superintendent of Police Mukesh Kumar Bhamoo stated that the perpetrators had acquired fraudulent techniques via online tutorials and applied them to manipulate the victim.

The Hotel Incident

Convinced by the presentation, he allegedly transferred ₹25 lakh from a home loan account and traveled to Angul to meet the suspects. During the encounter, the accused executed a bag-switching maneuver. Pradhan was distracted by a claim that a USB drive and motorcycle keys had been left behind, allowing the suspects to replace the bag containing the cash with an identical one filled with notepads.

Aftermath of the Fraud

The group then fled, leaving the victim at the hotel. A complaint was filed with cyber police days later. Investigators located the suspects at their rented accommodation and arrested them late Thursday.

Investigation and Recovery

Authorities recovered ₹15.50 lakh in cash, gold and silver jewelry valued at approximately ₹12 lakh, 20 mobile devices, a laptop, a tablet, a scooter, and fake Aadhaar cards. A Blu-ray player, allegedly misrepresented as a currency-printing device, was also seized.

Tracing Illicit Assets

Some of the jewelry was traced to purchases made with illicit funds, while other assets had been pledged to a financial institution. A preliminary inquiry revealed the suspects had previously defrauded another individual in Rourkela of ₹10 lakh using similar tactics.

Current Status of the Case

The accused are currently in police custody for interrogation as investigators examine potential connections to additional fraud cases and the operational mechanics of the deceptive device.

Conclusion

This case highlights the growing threat of cyber-enabled financial fraud and the importance of vigilance in verifying online identities and investment opportunities.