Gorakhpur: A major financial fraud has come to light in Gorakhpur, where a contractor was cheated of ₹80 lakh by a gang that promised extraordinary returns through an alleged investment scheme linked to NASA. Police have arrested the prime accused, Sukanta Banerjee, while other members of the gang remain absconding. Officials have registered a case under charges of cheating, criminal conspiracy, and violations of the IT Act.
Promise of 100x Profit from ‘NASA Project’
According to police investigations, the scam dates back to 2019, when Sukanta Banerjee introduced himself as a global investment advisor and approached local contractor Madan Mohan Shukla (the victim). Banerjee claimed that he could facilitate investments in a “special research project” under the U.S. space agency NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), promising up to 100 times profit on the investment.
To make the offer appear legitimate, Banerjee and his associates produced forged documents, fake emails, and digital contracts, assuring the victim that the project was officially monitored by the U.S. government and was completely risk-free.
Trusting these claims, the victim transferred ₹80 lakh to bank accounts provided by the accused.
Fraud Through Fake Agencies and Bank Accounts
Investigations revealed that the gang operated through a web of fake agencies and accounts spread across Chandigarh, Delhi, and West Bengal. Two women — one identified as a government officer in Chandigarh and another named Shalini — were part of the group. Several shell companies and digital wallets were created in their names to receive and route the funds.
When the victim sought updates on the “NASA project” a few weeks later, Banerjee began making excuses and eventually stopped responding. Suspicious of foul play, the contractor reached out directly to NASA through official communication channels and learned that no such investment program existed.
Complaint Filed with CBI and Cyber Crime Cell
Realizing he had been duped, the victim lodged complaints with both Gorakhpur Police and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), as well as the Cyber Crime Cell.
Following preliminary investigation, Sukanta Banerjee was taken into custody. During interrogation, he confessed to defrauding multiple investors across India under the pretext of “NASA investment schemes.”
Police also confirmed that Banerjee had a previous record — a cyber fraud case registered at Lucknow’s Mahanagar police station in 2019, where he was fined ₹10,000.
Police Uncover a Nationwide Fraud Network
According to the police, Banerjee led a well-organized network of agents operating across various states. The group primarily targeted contractors, business owners, and government suppliers, promising extraordinary returns on international “research-based” investments.
During the investigation by the Ramgarh Tal police station, several bank accounts, phone numbers, and digital wallet records were traced to the accused. Evidence also suggests that the gang transferred funds into cryptocurrency wallets and foreign accounts, making recovery more complex.
Arrest and Further Investigation
With assistance from the cyber cell, Gorakhpur Police arrested Sukanta Banerjee and sent him to judicial custody. According to Superintendent of Police (City), teams have been dispatched to Chandigarh, Delhi, and West Bengal to track down the remaining absconding members.
Preliminary findings indicate that the gang may have defrauded multiple investors of several crores under similar schemes, often using names like “NASA Project,” “ISRO Investment Plan,” and “Aerospace Research Fund.”
Police sources described the case not merely as an economic crime but as part of a high-level cyber fraud network operating under the guise of international investment opportunities targeting Indian citizens.
Police Advisory to the Public
Gorakhpur Police has urged the public to verify all foreign investment schemes through official government or institutional websites before transferring money. Authorities warned that global agencies like NASA or ISRO never seek investments from individuals or private intermediaries.
Cybercrime officials emphasized that fraudsters are continually devising new methods to lure investors with promises of unrealistic profits. The investigation team is now working to trace the remaining funds, identify additional victims, and expose the full extent of the network.
Summary:
The arrest of Sukanta Banerjee has exposed a sophisticated fraud ring that used the name of NASA to deceive investors across India. While the main accused is now behind bars, police believe several associates are still at large. Investigations continue to uncover how the group used technology, fake documentation, and cross-border fund transfers to orchestrate one of the most elaborate investment scams reported in eastern Uttar Pradesh.
