Health firm loses Rs 2.5 cr in cyber scam while seeking investors

A Maharashtra-based health company in search of investors fell victim to a phishing scam, losing Rs 2.25 crore to an international hacker. The cybercriminal posed as a ‘corporate communication manager’ from a Singapore-based company, purportedly interested in investing in the health firm. The fraudster sent a link, requested personal information, and when the victim clicked on the link, Rs 2.5 crore was siphoned from their cryptocurrency wallet.
The health company owner filed an FIR at the Maharashtra Nodal Cyber police station, prompting the formation of a special team to investigate how the cryptocurrency funds ended up in the hacker’s account. Despite police advisories against clicking on unknown links, individuals continue to fall prey to such schemes. Such links can lead to phishing websites designed to steal personal information, including login credentials, credit card, and debit card details. The victim, a chartered accountant, sought investors for the company, and Singapore’s Khyber Ventures expressed interest. Both parties entered into an e-contract, with Khyber Ventures wanting to invest an equivalent of US $2.5 crore in Indian currency. The investment amount was deposited into the victim’s cryptocurrency wallet. In June, an unidentified individual, claiming to be a corporate communication manager from Khyber Ventures, initiated an online meeting discussion. Later, another person, Jenny Kyber, sent a link and instructed the victim to click on it.
Upon clicking the link, the amount of 2.5 lakh USD from Khyber Ventures’ cryptocurrency account and an additional 15,100 USD from the victim’s account were transferred to unidentified parties. In total, Rs 2.20 crore was siphoned off by the scammers. The victim promptly reported the online fraud to the Cybercrime portal, leading to the registration of an FIR by the Nodal Cyber. Police investigations revealed that the victim’s wallet had been compromised through a phishing link, with suspected scammers using inferno drainer tools. Blockchain-related wallet correspondence was coordinated through the Office of the Special Inspector General of Police Cyber.