Ludhiana: Punjab Police’s Cyber Crime Wing has arrested a Rajasthan resident in connection with an alleged ₹2.5 crore business impersonation cyber fraud in which fraudsters reportedly posed as the owner of a Ludhiana-based company and deceived its manager into transferring a huge sum into fraudulent bank accounts. Police identified the accused as Manvender Singh, a resident of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, who was arrested following coordinated raids at multiple locations in the state. Investigators have recovered approximately ₹18 lakh, which has been returned to the victim, while efforts are underway to trace the remaining proceeds of crime and apprehend other members of the cyber fraud network.
According to investigators, the case came to light after a local firm’s manager reported that he had transferred around ₹2.5 crore after receiving instructions that appeared to come from the company’s owner. During the preliminary investigation, police found that the accused and his associates allegedly impersonated the business owner by misusing his identity and creating a convincing digital profile to gain the manager’s trust.
Police said the fraudsters allegedly obtained the company’s owner’s photograph and other personal details before setting the image as their WhatsApp profile picture. They then contacted the firm’s manager through phone calls and messages while posing as the owner. Investigators believe the sophisticated impersonation convinced the manager that the instructions were genuine and related to an urgent business transaction.
Acting on those instructions, the manager allegedly transferred nearly ₹2.5 crore into bank accounts provided by the fraudsters, believing the payments were required for a legitimate business deal. The deception came to light only after the manager later interacted with the actual company owner and discovered that no such transfer had ever been authorised. Realising that he had fallen victim to an elaborate cyber fraud, the company immediately approached the Cyber Crime Police Station, leading to the registration of the case.
Following the complaint, investigators launched an extensive probe involving analysis of banking transactions, mobile communications, digital footprints, and technical evidence. The investigation eventually led police to Rajasthan, where multiple raids were conducted before the arrest of Manvender Singh, who is believed to be one of the key members of the alleged fraud syndicate. Police said approximately ₹18 lakh linked to the fraud has been recovered and returned to the victim, while financial investigators continue tracing the remaining funds.
During interrogation, the accused allegedly disclosed important information regarding the functioning of the cyber fraud network, including details about other suspected associates involved in the operation. Investigators are now examining digital devices, financial records, communication logs, and beneficiary bank accounts to identify additional suspects, establish the complete money trail, and determine whether the gang has been involved in similar business impersonation frauds elsewhere in the country.
Future Crime Research Foundation (FCRF) says business impersonation frauds, commonly known as CEO or Business Email Compromise (BEC)-style scams, are becoming increasingly sophisticated as cybercriminals exploit messaging applications, social engineering techniques, and publicly available corporate information to impersonate senior executives. The organisation advises businesses to implement multi-level payment approval systems, independently verify all high-value fund transfer requests through official communication channels, and educate employees about identity impersonation tactics. Experts also recommend confirming payment instructions through direct voice verification or secure internal procedures before executing financial transactions involving large amounts.
Police said the investigation remains underway, and further arrests are expected as digital evidence and financial records are analysed. Authorities have urged companies and financial institutions to remain vigilant against impersonation-based cyber fraud, verify payment instructions through multiple channels, and immediately report suspicious financial transactions to law enforcement agencies. Investigators believe that continued forensic examination of electronic evidence and banking records will help uncover the full extent of the fraud network and facilitate recovery of additional funds.
