Cyber police investigating an alleged scam in which a Kerala MLA was offered a Cabinet minister’s post in exchange for ₹3 crore have identified the prime suspect in New Delhi. Investigators believe the fraud was carried out by an organised cyber crime network with several members operating from the national capital.
According to police, a special investigation team intensified the probe by visiting New Delhi, where technical evidence helped identify the main suspect. Officials said the role of several other individuals linked to the racket is also being examined.
Investigators have traced the registered address of the SIM card used in the fraudulent calls with the assistance of a hi-tech crime investigation unit. Police are now verifying the identities of those associated with the SIM card and analysing their possible involvement in the conspiracy.
According to the complaint, Kerala MLA Vidya Balakrishnan received a phone call in English on July 6 from a man who introduced himself as “Rajkumar,” claiming to be the secretary to Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi. The caller allegedly said he had obtained the MLA’s contact number from another Member of Parliament from Kerala.
The caller allegedly claimed that the MLA could secure a Cabinet minister’s position by arranging ₹3 crore. Growing suspicious over the unusual proposal, Balakrishnan contacted Priyanka Gandhi’s office, where she was informed that no such person was authorised to make such calls and that the offer was fraudulent.
Following instructions from the party leadership, the MLA lodged a formal complaint with the cyber police on July 11. Investigators subsequently began analysing digital evidence, call records and other technical inputs related to the incident.
During the investigation, police reportedly discovered that the same network had made similar calls to several other Members of Parliament and Members of the Legislative Assembly in Kerala. In each case, the fraudsters allegedly promised political appointments or other influential positions by falsely claiming connections with senior political leaders.
Considering the seriousness of the matter, Priyanka Gandhi’s office also approached the State Police Chief seeking immediate action. Cyber police have since expanded the investigation and are pursuing the case across state boundaries.
Police believe the organised cyber fraud network specifically targets influential individuals by impersonating senior political leaders or their close aides. The suspects allegedly use social engineering techniques to create credibility before demanding large sums of money in exchange for promises of ministerial appointments, political influence or other government positions.
According to the Future Crime Research Foundation, cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting social engineering tactics to target public representatives, business leaders and other influential individuals. Any demand for money in exchange for a government post, political appointment, contract or official favour should be treated as a strong indicator of fraud and independently verified before taking any action.
Police said the investigation is continuing, with digital evidence, call records, SIM card details and other technical inputs being analysed to identify all members of the network. Authorities have advised the public to immediately report suspicious calls or messages offering government positions or political influence in return for money and to avoid making any payments under such circumstances.
