Mumbai: The Mumbai Crime Branch has arrested a 50-year-old man accused of posing as a doctor for nearly 28 years and allegedly siphoning off around ₹10 crore in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds over the past three years. According to preliminary investigators, the suspect allegedly used forged identity documents, fake credentials and multiple bank accounts to fraudulently obtain CSR funds through an organised network. Police believe the operation may have extended beyond Maharashtra, with possible links to several other states.
The investigation began after the Crime Branch received specific intelligence that the Juhu resident had been falsely presenting himself as a medical practitioner for decades to gain the confidence of individuals and organisations. Investigators allege that he created forged identity documents, opened multiple bank accounts and, with the assistance of associates, misappropriated CSR funds meant for welfare and development projects. Acting on the information, police conducted a raid, arrested the accused and searched his residence.
Registration Begins for FutureCrime Summit 2026, India’s Largest Cybercrime Conference
During the search, investigators recovered a large volume of documents containing details of individuals and companies from Maharashtra and several other states. The seized material also included project reports, banking records and financial documents that police believe could reveal the wider scale of the alleged fraud. Officials said the recovered evidence indicates the racket may have operated across multiple states, and investigators are now examining the documents to identify affected organisations and trace the flow of funds.
Preliminary findings suggest that nearly ₹10 crore in CSR funds was allegedly diverted through the network during the last three years. However, police said the exact financial loss and the total number of victim organisations will be determined only after the investigation is completed. Investigators are conducting a forensic examination of bank accounts, financial transactions, digital records and money trails to establish how the funds were transferred and ultimately utilised.
Police also recovered identity documents issued in the name of Dr Dharmendra Kumar, including a PAN card, identification card, visiting cards and several certificates. Medical equipment and treatment-related materials were also seized from the premises. Investigators believe these items were allegedly used to reinforce the accused’s false identity as a qualified doctor and gain the trust of companies and institutions. Authorities are also examining whether the forged credentials were used in other financial or institutional frauds.
A case has been registered at Juhu Police Station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Medical Profession Act and the National Medical Commission Act. The accused was produced before a court and remanded to police custody until July 16. Investigators are questioning him to determine whether he acted independently or was part of a larger organised network involved in procuring forged medical degrees, fake identity documents and other fabricated records.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said financial and identity-related frauds often rely on forged credentials, fabricated documentation and the misuse of institutional trust. He said corporations, non-governmental organisations and agencies responsible for disbursing CSR funds should adopt multi-layer verification of beneficiaries and project operators, implement digital document authentication and conduct independent background checks before releasing funds. According to him, regular audits, continuous financial monitoring and physical verification of beneficiaries are essential safeguards against such organised frauds.
Police are now examining the accused’s financial transactions, bank accounts, suspected associates, the source of the forged documents and the complete process through which CSR funds were allegedly obtained. Investigators believe the analysis of seized documents and digital evidence could uncover additional suspects, identify more affected organisations and establish the full extent of the alleged fraud. The investigation is continuing.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
