A man was arrested for allegedly impersonating a chartered accountant by operating a firm for over 15 years, misusing the legitimate ICAI membership of the real CA to file forged audit reports; however, he was later released on bail. The fraud spanned from 2010 to July 2025, coming to light only when the CA, whose ID was being impersonated, returned to India and attempted to renew his credentials. Investigations have since exposed extensive misuse of professional identity and statutory filings.
Fake Identity, Real Consequences
Operating under the name Soorampalli Suresh at a Hyderabad firm called S. Sureshbabu & Co., he fraudulently used ICAI Membership No. 027110 rightfully belonging to CA Suresh Babu Sakhamuru to deceive banks, companies, government agencies, and private clients. During this period, he signed numerous audit reports, certifications, and statutory declarations under the guise of being a Fellow Chartered Accountant. The scheme unraveled when the genuine CA returned to India and applied to renew his ICAI membership, only to discover someone had been using his credentials. Following his complaint, Visakhapatnam police registered Crime No. 288/2025. Soorampalli Suresh was arrested and later released on bail.
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Threat to the Profession and ICAI Protocols
Chartered Accountant impersonation is considered a serious criminal and professional offence under Indian Criminal law. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, which regulates and enforces the profession’s Code of Ethics, has mechanisms for disciplinary action—ranging from temporary suspension to permanent debarment for such violations. At the same time, criminal penalties may include prison time and hefty fines.
Sparks Demands for ICAI Reforms
This incident has led Social media users to ask the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) for certain reforms –
- Implementation of annual identity verification through Aadhaar or other secure means.
- Tightening oversight of CA firms.
- Raising public awareness on verifying credentials.
- Stricter legal action against impersonators.
The ICAI has yet to issue a statement, while the investigation remains ongoing and could unveil further revelations.