The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested three individuals in connection with a fake postage stamp scam valued at approximately ₹2.5 crore. The fraud was allegedly carried out by a network that included a deceased Sub-Post Master of the Lakhaoti Sub-Post Office in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, his brother, and private individuals. The scam, uncovered through a complaint lodged by the Postal Department, is suspected to have been running for an extended period.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Pappu Singh (brother of the former Sub Post Master), Rajesh Kumar, and Mahendra Kumar. The CBI stated that it had collected substantial evidence indicating their involvement in a criminal conspiracy to manufacture and circulate counterfeit postage stamps.
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Criminal Conspiracy Uncovered After Internal Audit
According to a statement issued by the CBI on June 25, 2025, the case was officially registered on December 19, 2024, following a detailed complaint by the Bulandshahr Division of the Postal Department. The initial complaint, dated December 11, 2024, alleged that the then Sub-Post Master, now deceased, was part of a conspiracy involving private individuals and unknown officials to misuse fake postage stamps for personal gain.
The fraud came to light after the department’s internal records showed inconsistencies in stamp usage and accounting. The accused allegedly used counterfeit stamps in official mail transactions, diverting the proceeds into private hands and causing massive losses to the postal department.
Three Arrested; Investigation Continues
The CBI arrested two of the accused on June 24, 2025, following extensive raids and evidence gathering. A third individual was apprehended the next day. All three were presented before a competent court and are now in judicial custody.
The agency has confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing, with the possibility of more arrests. Sources indicate that the scam may extend beyond Bulandshahr and could involve a wider nexus of postal employees and external actors.
The CBI’s swift action in the case reflects the agency’s increased focus on fraud detection within government systems. The Postal Department, meanwhile, has initiated further audits across its regional offices to prevent recurrence of such incidents.