Electrifying Scam Exposed: Rs 1.68 Crore Fraud Shakes Kanpur Electricity Supply Company (Kesco), 6 Arrested

 

KANPUR: The Uttar Pradesh police have apprehended six individuals in relation to a substantial scam totaling Rs 1.68 crore at the Kanpur Electricity Supply Company (Kesco). This fraudulent scheme revolved around manipulating the payment gateway system to redirect funds into separate accounts, affecting approximately 1,905 consumers.

Compromised Payment Gateway: Contractor and Software Engineer Collaborators As per law enforcement officials, the scam was orchestrated through collaboration between a contractor from the electricity department and a software engineer. This pair exploited a vulnerability within the payment gateway, enabling them to alter the gateway's URL with the help of a hacker. This manipulation allowed them to divert funds into various accounts controlled by them.

Numerous Arrests and Retrieval of Cash The cyber division of the Kanpur Commissionerate police has made significant headway in the investigation, apprehending six individuals allegedly linked to the scam. A sum of Rs 90 lakh in cash has been seized from their possession, along with 31 mobile phones, 30 ATMs, and assorted incriminating documents.

Also Read: Cybercrime in Nagpur - Cyber Blackmailer Couple Arrested in Pune for Extorting Money

Expanding Probe and Emergence of Additional Names As the investigation progresses, it appears that a broader network of individuals may have been involved in the fraudulent activity. Law enforcement units are executing raids across different districts in an effort to locate and apprehend these suspects. The police are unwavering in their determination to ensure that all individuals accountable for the wrongdoing are brought to justice.

Impact on Kesco Customers The scam's repercussions directly affected Kesco customers who utilize the ICICI Bank gateway to make online payments for their electricity bills. These payments are subsequently funneled into Kesco's account. However, upon scrutinizing the payment records, it came to light that an amount totaling Rs 1.68 crore had not been deposited by approximately 1,905 consumers spanning the period from June 18 to July 16.

Sequence of Events The case was officially filed by Kesco at the Gwaltoli police station, alleging that within the timeframe of June 18 to June 23, an illicit transfer of Rs 44.92 lakh from the funds of 679 consumers had occurred. Subsequently, during the period from July 1 to July 16, tampering had taken place in deposits amounting to Rs 1.03 crore from 1102 consumers. The ensuing investigation unveiled a significant portion of payments that had been subjected to gateway tampering and consequently not forwarded to Kesco's account.

Thorough Probe and Nationwide Pursuit In the wake of the case being filed on July 22, the cyber cell of the Police Commissionerate's crime branch launched an extensive investigation. This endeavor yielded the identification of pivotal leads and evidence, prompting the deployment of four police teams, including the cyber cell, to locations like Meerut and Baghpat in pursuit of apprehending the wrongdoers.

Also Read: Kashmiri Brother-in-Law could not show Kamal, and pressure on Nagpur police failed

Mastermind and Accomplices Apprehended Among the apprehended individuals, the primary suspect is Vivek Sharma, the alleged orchestrator of the scam and an electricity contractor. Vivek Sharma purportedly managed a network of 22 accounts, one of which operated under the guise of "Kesco Electronics." Furthermore, Yogendra, who is linked through marriage to an account holder within this network, has also been taken into custody for his involvement. Additionally, the cyber cell successfully apprehended three other individuals responsible for withdrawing funds from the compromised accounts.

Statement from the Police Commissioner Police Commissioner BP Jogdand commented, "As the investigation unfolded, several other names have emerged, leading to ongoing police raids to locate them." He announced rewards of one lakh rupees each for the teams that played pivotal roles in achieving this breakthrough.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Sohail Khan from Delhi, Vivek Kumar Sharma (contractor), Anil Kumar, Karan Rana, Yogendra, and Shakti, all residents of Baghpat.

The investigation remains ongoing, with law enforcement agencies working tirelessly to unveil the complete scope of the scam and ensure that justice is served to all affected consumers.

Also Read: https://cyber-crime-blogs.blogspot.com/2023/03/cyber-blackmailing-case-shatrughans-bail-plea-rejected.html

Key Points from the Kanpur Electricity Scam Inquiry: 

  • Six individuals apprehended in connection with a Rs 1.68 crore scandal at Kanpur Electricity Supply Company (Kesco). 

  • Allegations involve a contractor and software engineer manipulating the payment gateway, altering the URL, and redirecting funds. 

  • The cyber unit recovers Rs 90 lakh in cash, seizes 31 mobile phones, and confiscates 30 ATMs from the suspects. 

  • Expanding probe reveals a broader group of suspects as the investigation delves deeper. 

  • Online bill payments by Kesco consumers disrupted; Rs 1.68 crore unaccounted for. 

  • Investigation exposes a multi-phase fraud spanning various transactions and dates. 

  • The central figure identified: Contractor Vivek Sharma, who established 22 accounts, including one named "Kesco Electronics." 

  • Commissioner announces rewards for crucial breakthroughs, underscoring ongoing commitment to uncovering the truth. 

  • Arrested individuals comprise Sohail Khan, contractor Vivek Kumar Sharma, Anil Kumar, Karan Rana, Yogendra, and Shakti.

Source: https://www.the420.in/kanpur-electricity-scam-arrests-kesco-1-68-crore/

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