WhatsApp hacked, text to CFO: How ex-PM's son, a former MP, lost ₹7.68 crore to cyber fraud

Former Rajya Sabha Member Naresh Gujral, son of former Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral, has reportedly fallen victim to a significant cyber fraud involving approximately ₹7.80 crore. According to police reports, the incident came to light when an employee of Gujral's company received messages on WhatsApp that appeared to originate from Gujral himself. These messages prompted the employee to initiate several large financial transfers through Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS). The fraudulent activity took place over a span of five days, culminating in a substantial loss for Gujral.

The scam began on June 12 when the employee received a WhatsApp message displaying a profile picture of Gujral. The sender claimed to be Gujral and requested the transfer of funds to a specific bank account using RTGS. Following this instruction, the employee executed four separate RTGS transactions totaling ₹7.68 crore. It wasn't until June 16 that the situation was brought to Gujral's attention by his daughter, who informed him about the unauthorized transfers. Upon realizing the extent of the deception, Gujral promptly reported the incident to the national cybercrime reporting helpline, leading to the registration of a formal case.

In response to the reported fraud, the Delhi Police have initiated an investigation under the Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit. A senior police officer confirmed that initial inquiries suggest the perpetrators had gained access to Gujral's WhatsApp account, allowing them to impersonate him effectively. As part of their efforts to recover the lost funds, authorities have managed to freeze nearly ₹4 crore of the defrauded amount. This action indicates ongoing efforts to trace and potentially reclaim some portion of the stolen money.

Naresh Gujral, who possesses a Chartered Accountant qualification, operates a business located in South Delhi focused on textile, leather, and other apparel production. His involvement in the corporate sector adds another layer to the complexity of the case, as it involves both personal and professional aspects. The nature of the fraud highlights vulnerabilities within digital communication platforms, particularly regarding identity verification and security measures against social engineering tactics.

The incident underscores broader concerns about cybersecurity threats faced by individuals and organizations alike. With increasing reliance on digital channels for communication and transactions, incidents such as these serve as stark reminders of the need for enhanced protective measures. Authorities are likely to scrutinize the security protocols employed by companies and individuals to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

As the investigation progresses, more details about the individuals behind the fraud and the methods used to compromise Gujral's WhatsApp account could emerge. The arrest of four suspects from Rajasthan suggests that law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing leads related to the case. Further developments may include additional charges or collaborations with other regional police forces to ensure comprehensive coverage of all potential connections to the fraud.

Looking ahead, the resolution of this case will depend largely on the effectiveness of the ongoing investigations. If successful, it could lead to the recovery of remaining funds and provide insights into how such scams can be prevented. Additionally, the outcome might influence policy discussions concerning digital security standards and consumer protection laws aimed at safeguarding against evolving forms of cybercrime.