Thu May 15 15:55:07 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
An unknown individual is being investigated by the Bengaluru Central Division Cyber Crime police for impersonating the Commissioner of the Department of Commerce and Industries and attempting to extort money from staff members. The perpetrator used a WhatsApp account with the commissioner’s name and picture. This incident follows a similar case in March where the Principal Director of the State Audit and Accounts Department was impersonated, and staff members were defrauded of money.
**News Article:**
**Bengaluru: Cyber Criminal Impersonates Commissioner in Extortion Attempt**
Bengaluru, May 15, 2025 – The Bengaluru Central Division Cyber Crime police have launched an investigation into an individual impersonating the Commissioner of the Department of Commerce and Industries, Gunjan Krishna, in an attempt to extort money from departmental staff.
According to police reports, the perpetrator used a WhatsApp account displaying the Commissioner’s name and photo to send messages to staff members. The messages, sent from an unknown number, allegedly requested money. The scheme was uncovered after a clerical staff member filed a complaint. The accused now faces charges under section 66(c) of the IT Act, related to identity theft.
“The investigation is ongoing and we are currently tracking down the accused based on call record details,” stated a spokesperson for the Cyber Crime police.
This is the second such incident handled by the Central Cyber Crime police in recent months. In March, Deepak Doreyawar, Principal Director of the State Audit and Accounts Department, reported a similar incident where his WhatsApp account was hacked, and his juniors were defrauded into transferring money to the perpetrator.
Authorities urge the public to be vigilant and to verify the authenticity of requests for money received via digital platforms.
First Piper 