Cyber Criminals Target Former Karnataka DGP in Latest Email Scam
In a striking reminder of the pervasive threat of cybercrime, Shankar Mahadev Bidari, the former Director-General of Police (DGP) of Karnataka, fell prey to an email hacking scam that has left many stunned. Bidari’s email was compromised, leading to messages sent to his contacts soliciting financial assistance.
One unsuspecting friend of Bidari promptly transferred ₹25,000 to a bank account referenced in the hacked email, believing he was helping a former DGP in need. However, the situation took a sharp turn when the friend later inquired about Bidari’s circumstances and discovered that he had not requested any such assistance. Realizing he had been scammed, the friend informed Bidari, who promptly filed a police complaint on February 27.
In response, the South East division police launched an investigation, leading to the arrest of three suspects from Nagaland on Wednesday. Identified as Thia Rit Samong, 31, Seropa Sesai, 27, and Ester Konyak, 28, these individuals are part of a five-member gang notorious for their cybercrime activities.
Authorities revealed that the suspects had set up an extensive network, including 60 bank accounts, 23 PAN cards, multiple Aadhaar cards, and cash totaling ₹2 lakh. This incident underscores a disturbing trend wherein high-profile individuals, including former police chiefs, have fallen victim to similar scams. Previous cases involve former DGPs Ajai Kumar Singh and Ashit Mohan Prasad, who lost substantial amounts to fraudulent activities.
This alarming pattern highlights the need for all individuals, regardless of stature, to exercise extreme caution when handling email communications. Cybercriminals continue to innovate their tactics, reminding us all to verify the authenticity of emails before taking action. This incident serves as a stark warning: in the digital age, vigilance is the best defense against cyber threats.