Nashik. Police have arrested a 23-year-old man from Navi Mumbai for allegedly misusing forged digital signatures linked to the Revenue Department in a cyber and financial fraud case. The accused, identified as Abhishek Sanjay Zare of Airoli, has been sent to judicial custody after investigators alleged that official digital credentials were used to manipulate government documentation and administrative processes.
Accused Traced Through Technical Probe
According to police officials, the accused allegedly created and used fake digital signatures associated with a senior revenue authority. Investigators suspect that the forged electronic authentication may have been used to interfere with official records and mislead government systems.
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Nashik Road Police launched a detailed cyber and technical investigation after the matter came to light. Officials said the accused was traced through social media monitoring, digital tracking and technical analysis. Based on leads about his possible location, a special police team was sent to Navi Mumbai.
Sources linked to the investigation said social media played an important role in identifying the suspect. Police reportedly found photographs of the accused with a local public representative on Facebook, which helped investigators develop further leads.
Police Examine Possible Wider Network
During questioning, it reportedly emerged that the accused had been in contact regarding certain schemes and administrative matters. Police allegedly used a strategic approach by calling him for a meeting, where he was detained on arrival.
After his arrest, the accused was produced before a court and initially remanded to police custody for interrogation. Following preliminary questioning and investigation procedures, he was later sent to central jail.
Investigating agencies are now trying to determine whether the accused acted alone or whether a larger network was involved. Officials are examining his financial transactions, communication records and digital activities to identify possible beneficiaries and additional suspects linked to the alleged fraud.
Digital Authentication Systems Under Scrutiny
Officials said forensic examination of the accused’s electronic devices, email activity, digital certificates and online communication is underway. Cyber experts are also examining the methods allegedly used to forge or clone digital signatures.
Investigators are trying to establish whether any government system, database or restricted network was unlawfully accessed. Experts said misuse of authorised digital signatures can lead to forged approvals, manipulation of official records and possible financial losses.
The case has raised concerns over the security of digital authentication systems used by government departments. Cybersecurity professionals have stressed the need for stronger safeguards such as multi-factor authentication, hardware-based security tokens, encrypted verification layers and real-time monitoring to prevent misuse of sensitive digital credentials.
