Cyber Fraud – Ex-MP Naresh Gujral Loses Rs 7.8 Crore in Impersonation Scam
Cyber Fraud – Former Rajya Sabha member Naresh Gujral, 78, has reportedly become the victim of a major cyber fraud in which scammers allegedly siphoned off Rs 7.8 crore by pretending to be him on a messaging platform. According to police officials, the fraudsters manipulated company procedures by sending fake instructions that appeared to come directly from Gujral, leading to the transfer of large sums of money.
Fraudsters Allegedly Used Fake Digital Identity
Investigators said the incident occurred over a period of several days between June 12 and June 16. During this time, the accused are believed to have created a messaging account using Naresh Gujral’s photograph and identity details. By presenting themselves as the former parliamentarian, they allegedly communicated with senior company personnel and issued urgent financial directions.
Naresh Gujral is the son of former Prime Minister I.K. Gujral, who served as India’s 12th Prime Minister between 1997 and 1998. Authorities believe the fraudsters relied on the credibility associated with Gujral’s name to gain the trust of company officials.
Company Executive Carried Out Multiple Transfers
Police said the company’s chief financial officer received messages that appeared authentic and business-related. Since the executive had been authorised to handle financial matters, the instructions did not initially raise suspicion.
Acting on the messages, the officer reportedly processed four separate Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) transactions over four days. The money was transferred to different bank accounts provided by the individuals operating the fake profile. The cumulative value of these transactions reached approximately Rs 7.8 crore.
Fraud Detected After Family Verification
The alleged scam remained unnoticed until June 16, when Gujral’s daughter reviewed the transactions and found them unusual. Concerned about the movement of funds, she reportedly contacted her father to confirm whether he had ordered the transfers.
According to investigators, Gujral denied sending any such instructions and stated that he had no knowledge of the payments. This prompted family members and company officials to examine the communications more closely, leading to the discovery that the messages had originated from a fraudulent account rather than Gujral himself.
Police Launch Investigation
Following the discovery of the alleged fraud, a complaint was lodged with law enforcement authorities. Delhi Police subsequently registered an electronic First Information Report (e-FIR) and began an investigation into the case.
Officials are currently examining digital records, banking transactions, and communication trails to identify those responsible. Cybercrime specialists are also working to determine how the fraudsters managed to impersonate the former MP and convince company officials to release such a substantial amount of money.
Significant Portion of Funds Recovered
Authorities said prompt intervention helped prevent the complete loss of the transferred funds. Through coordination with banking institutions and investigative agencies, nearly Rs 4 crore was frozen before it could be moved further.
Police indicated that the recovered amount represents roughly 70 percent of the total money involved in the fraud. Efforts are continuing to trace the remaining funds and locate the individuals behind the operation.
The incident has once again highlighted the growing threat of impersonation-based cybercrime and the importance of verifying financial instructions through multiple channels before processing high-value transactions