Nationwide Online Financial Fraud Busted: 60-Year-Old Man Arrested for Scam Involving Fake RBI Website

Strategic Insights -

A sophisticated online financial fraud scheme, allegedly orchestrated by a 60-year-old man, has been brought to light in India. Bhaskar Choudhury was arrested by the Mumbai Police, assisted by the Kolkata Police and Diamond Harbour Police, for creating a fake Reserve Bank of India (RBI) website and defrauding investors across multiple states.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bhaskar Choudhury, a 60-year-old man, was arrested by the Mumbai Police for allegedly orchestrating a nationwide online financial fraud involving a fake RBI website.
  • The scam involved creating a counterfeit RBI website and WhatsApp groups displaying the RBI logo, with the perpetrator using SIM cards registered under different names to create bank accounts where the fraudulent funds were deposited.
  • The investigation revealed that Choudhury and his gang members defrauded investors of crores across multiple states, including Maharashtra, West Bengal, Delhi, and Odisha.
  • A complaint was filed at Panvel PS in December 2024 by a victim who lost Rs 2 crore in a fraudulent RBI bond scheme.
  • Choudhury's lawyer argued there was insufficient evidence linking his client to the crimes, but the public prosecutor highlighted the substantial amount of money collected through impersonating the RBI.
  • The judge granted transit remand, allowing Panvel Police to take the accused to Mumbai for further investigation.
  • Choudhury's operation involved creating a sophisticated system, including a counterfeit RBI website and WhatsApp groups displaying the RBI logo.

Statistics:

  • Rs 2 crore: The amount lost by the victim who filed a complaint at Panvel PS in December 2024.
  • Multiple states: The scam affected investors across Maharashtra, West Bengal, Delhi, and Odisha.
  • Crores: The amount of money defrauded by Bhaskar Choudhury and his gang members.
  • December 2024: The month a complaint was filed at Panvel PS by a victim who lost Rs 2 crore in a fraudulent RBI bond scheme.

Sources:

  • The Times of India - Bhaskar Choudhury, 60-year-old man, arrested for allegedly orchestrating nationwide online financial fraud involving fake RBI website ( source: The Times of India )