CyberFraud – Fake Army Documents Used in ₹20 Lakh Corporate Scam

  CyberFraud – A Mumbai-based private firm has reportedly lost more than ₹20 lakh after cyber fraudsters allegedly used forged Indian Army documents and fake government credentials to convince company officials to release payments for a fabricated business deal.

The incident came to light after representatives of the company approached the cybercrime authorities and filed a formal complaint regarding the suspected online fraud. Officials at the Central Cyber Police Station have now registered a case against unidentified individuals and launched an investigation into the matter.

Fraudsters Posed as Army Officials

According to the police complaint, the company employee who reported the incident, 46-year-old Sameer Vayangankar, works as an account executive at a private firm located in Lower Parel. The alleged fraud began in February 2026 when the company’s managing director received a WhatsApp call from a man introducing himself as Kunal Chaudhary.

The caller claimed that he was associated with the Indian Army’s Kalina Military Camp and expressed interest in purchasing chemicals used for water purification. Investigators said the conversation appeared professional and convincing, which initially reduced suspicion within the company.

Fake Documents Sent to Build Trust

Police said the accused later forwarded several documents to support the deal. These reportedly included purchase orders carrying the Indian Army logo, fabricated GST registration certificates, and emails falsely presented as official communication linked to the Ministry of Defence.

Investigators believe the forged paperwork was specifically designed to establish credibility and pressure the company into processing payments quickly. The use of defence-related branding reportedly made the transaction appear legitimate to the company officials handling the order.

Authorities suspect the fraudsters carefully planned the operation by using official-looking communication channels and government references to gain the trust of the business.

Payments Made Through Multiple Accounts

As part of the transaction process, the company was first instructed to transfer a nominal amount of ₹5 as a trial payment. After the initial transfer was completed, the accused allegedly continued demanding additional payments under different reasons connected to the supply order.

Trusting the authenticity of the documents and communication, the company eventually transferred a total of ₹20,88,585 into several bank accounts shared by the suspects.

Police sources said the payments were made over a period of time, as the accused reportedly assured the company that the supply process and delivery formalities were being handled through official procedures.

Suspicion Grew After No Supply Activity

The alleged fraud came under suspicion when there was no movement regarding the supply of chemicals even after the payments had been completed. Company officials reportedly attempted to follow up on the order but did not receive satisfactory responses from the individuals involved.

After conducting online searches, the firm reportedly discovered reports of similar scams in which fraudsters used the name of the Indian Army and forged government documents to deceive businesses.

Realising they may have been targeted in a cyber fraud operation, company representatives immediately contacted the national cybercrime helpline number 1930 and filed an official complaint with the authorities.

Cyber Police Begin Detailed Investigation

Based on the complaint, the Central Cyber Police registered a case under Section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, which deals with cheating by personation using computer resources. Relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita have also been added to the case.

Officials confirmed that further investigation is currently underway to identify the individuals behind the operation, trace the bank accounts involved, and determine whether the accused are linked to other similar cybercrime cases reported across the country.

Police Inspector Ravikiran Dorale is leading the investigation.