West Bengal duo nabbed for swiping Rs 82 lakh from Chandigarh firm

A day after two men were arrested for running mule accounts used to siphon cyber fraud proceeds across six states, the Chandigarh Police have made another major breakthrough by arresting two youths from West Bengal for allegedly stealing Rs 81.89 lakh from a Chandigarh-based corporate bank account through SIM swap fraud. The accused — Rajdeep Ghosh (22), of Maslanpur, and Tanay Das (26), of Noapara, both from North 24 Parganas, West Bengal — were arrested following a targeted raid in Bengal by a Chandigarh Police team. The case was registered as FIR No. 53, dated April 7, 2026, at PS Cyber Crime, Chandigarh, under Sections 318(4), 319(2), 336(3), 338, 340(2), and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. How they struck The fraud came to light when an employee of Alpha Forex Pvt.

Ltd., Sector 17, Chandigarh, reported that the mobile number linked to the company’s bank account had suddenly lost network connectivity. Investigation revealed it had been fraudulently swapped — a technique where criminals illicitly obtain a new SIM card on the victim’s number, cutting off the legitimate user and redirecting all OTPs and bank alerts to themselves. In this case, both the primary and the alternate mobile numbers linked to the corporate account were compromised, giving the accused unfettered access to the account Rs 81.89 lakh was fraudulently withdrawn. Technical analysis and fieldwork traced the accused to North 24 Parganas, from where they were arrested.

During interrogation, the duo admitted to facilitating the fraud by supplying bank accounts and SIM cards to organised cybercriminals. A portion of the defrauded amount was found credited in Das’s account. The SIM card used in the crime was also traced and linked to Ghosh, who allegedly received a commission for lending his account to the network. The accused also disclosed the involvement of other associates, who are presently absconding.

Police recovered mobile phones, ATM cards, and banking instruments from them. DGP’s warning Speaking to The Tribune, Chandigarh DGP Dr Sagar Preet Hooda said: “Cyber criminals may operate from any corner of the country, but they cannot escape the long arm of the Chandigarh Police. We have zero tolerance for those who exploit digital infrastructure to defraud innocent citizens and businesses. Whether you lend your SIM, rent your bank account, or actively participate in fraud, you will be traced, arrested, and prosecuted.

I urge residents to stay alert, never share banking credentials with anyone, and report any suspicious activity immediately on the Cyber Crime helpline 1930.” Further investigation is under way to identify remaining accused and trace the complete money trail. Salient points The Fraud: Rs 81.89 lakh stolen from corporate account of Alpha Forex Pvt. Ltd., Sector 17, Chandigarh, via SIM swap fraud The Accused: Rajdeep Ghosh (22) and Tanay Das (26), both from North 24 Parganas, West Bengal — arrested after a raid by Chandigarh Police The Method: Both registered mobile numbers of the company’s bank account were fraudulently swapped, blocking OTPs to the real owner and rerouting them to the fraudsters The Network: Accused supplied bank accounts and SIM cards to organised cyber fraud networks; other associates still absconding Advisory: Never rent your SIM card or bank account to anyone — it is a criminal offence. Report suspicious activity on Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 or lock your Aadhaar biometrics via UIDAI to prevent misuse