Cyber Fraud – Ahmedabad Police Arrest Three for Fake Government Tender Scam

Cyber Fraud -A city-based manufacturing company in Ahmedabad lost Rs 9.60 lakh after fraudsters allegedly posed as officials from Ahmedabad Civil Hospital and the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), using forged documents and fabricated procurement procedures to secure payments for a government contract that never existed.

Fake Government Contract Used to Target Manufacturer

The Cyber Crime Branch of Ahmedabad Police has arrested three individuals accused of orchestrating an elaborate fraud involving a fictitious government purchase order. According to investigators, the suspects approached a company that manufactures bio-green plastic bags, claiming that Ahmedabad Civil Hospital intended to purchase 2,000 disposable bags through the official government procurement system. The proposal appeared authentic, leading the company to believe it had secured a legitimate government supply opportunity.

Forged Documents and Digital Deception

Police said the accused created a convincing trail of forged paperwork to support their claims. The company reportedly received fake employee identity cards, fabricated purchase orders, counterfeit tender documents, and other official-looking papers carrying forged signatures and seals. Investigators also found that the suspects allegedly created a fraudulent Civil Hospital email account and held online meetings through Google Meet while impersonating government officials to strengthen the credibility of their scheme.

Company Paid Money for Fake Certifications

The complainant, a resident of Ahmedabad’s Satellite area, was allegedly instructed to deposit money for mandatory certifications and processing formalities before the contract could be awarded. These included certifications such as ZED, CPCP, OEM registration on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal, NSIC certification, and other related charges. Believing these payments were essential for completing the procurement process, the company transferred a total of Rs 9.60 lakh before discovering that the entire transaction was fraudulent.

Three Accused Identified and Arrested

Following technical surveillance and intelligence-based investigation, the Cyber Crime Branch arrested Rahul Sharma, 29, originally from Rajasthan’s Alwar district, Vipul Singh Tomar, 30, from Mainpuri in Uttar Pradesh, and Aman Kushwaha, 26, a resident of Bhind in Madhya Pradesh. Police said all three had been residing in Ahmedabad before their arrest.

Police Describe Rahul Sharma as Alleged Mastermind

Investigators identified Rahul Sharma as the principal architect of the operation. According to police, he allegedly planned the fraud, arranged SIM cards and bank accounts, impersonated a Civil Hospital procurement officer named Rajesh Rawal, and generated forged documents with the help of Artificial Intelligence. Officials also alleged that he personally visited the victim company’s office while pretending to be a hospital representative.

Money Trail Revealed During Investigation

Police stated that approximately Rs 2.15 lakh from the fraudulent payments was credited to Rahul Sharma’s bank account, while nearly Rs 7.45 lakh was deposited into an account held by Vipul Singh Tomar. Investigators allege that Tomar withdrew the funds through cheques, retained a commission, and transferred the remaining amount to Rahul through co-accused Aman Kushwaha.

Fake AMC Identity Used to Gain Trust

According to investigators, Aman Kushwaha posed as an AMC official identified as Shailesh Singh. He allegedly communicated with the complainant through phone calls and WhatsApp messages, assuring the company that he would help obtain the necessary certifications required to qualify for the government tender.

Previous Experience Helped Execute the Fraud

Assistant Commissioner of Police Hardik Makadia said the main accused had previously worked for nearly three years with consultancy firms that assisted businesses participating in government procurement through GeM and other e-procurement platforms. Police believe this experience gave him detailed knowledge of procurement procedures and certification requirements, enabling him to create a highly convincing fraud.

Investigators further stated that Sharma allegedly located manufacturers through online searches, contacted them using WhatsApp, and prepared forged procurement orders, confirmation letters, fake identity cards, and other supporting documents with the assistance of ChatGPT and other digital tools.

Similar Cases Under Investigation

The Cyber Crime Branch believes the group may have used the same method to cheat at least six victims. Apart from the present case, police have linked the accused to another fraud exceeding Rs 18.31 lakh registered at Changodar Police Station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and the Information Technology Act. Authorities also confirmed that one of the accused has an earlier case registered at Rakhial Police Station involving similar cybercrime offences.

Investigators suspect the group may have been involved in additional frauds worth nearly Rs 5 lakh involving other victims. Further investigation is continuing to determine the full extent of the alleged operation.