Mumbai man texts Qatar royalty PA as 'Praful Patel'; held
Ein News - 7/27/2024 1:57:36 PM - GMT (+3 )
MUMBAI: A Juhu resident has been apprehended by Maharashtra state cyber cell for allegedly impersonating NCP's Rajya Sabha MP Praful Patel to send WhatsApp messages to the personal assistant of Qatar's royal family to seek their assistance in securing a business opportunity. The suspect, identified as Ravi Kant (35), has been charged with identity theft for posing as Patel and using his display picture on his WhatsApp account during the communication.
The case was registered based on a complaint filed by Vivek Agnihotri from Patel's office on July 23. A cyber cop from the state cyber cell said, "Kant's interrogation revealed that his intention was not to extort money. He wanted to develop communication with the Qatar royal family with the intention to get some business opportunities. Also, he is in need of money for medical expenses for his ailing mother."
Cyber police are currently investigating whether Kant's intention was solely to establish business contacts or if there was an underlying motive to extort money in future. Kant has been booked under Information Technology Act's Section 66 (D) for identity theft.
Kant, who is well-versed with the internet, discovered a website that offered contact details of high-profile businessmen and bureaucrats worldwide for a fee of Rs 500. He made the online payment and obtained the office contact information of the Qatar royal family.
Kant was unable to manage a hotel business set up by his father after his demise and it incurred losses.
Patel was made aware of the misuse of his photo when he received a message from the Qatar royal family's personal assistant on July 20, alerting him about the suspicious message they had received. State cyber cell team, supervised by special inspector general Yashasvi Yadav and comprising deputy inspector general Sanjay Shintre and inspector Abhijit Sonawane, tracked down the number used by Kant, which was his personal number displaying Patel's photo.
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Ein News - 7/27/2024 1:57:36 PM - GMT (+3 )
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The case was registered based on a complaint filed by Vivek Agnihotri from Patel's office on July 23. A cyber cop from the state cyber cell said, "Kant's interrogation revealed that his intention was not to extort money. He wanted to develop communication with the Qatar royal family with the intention to get some business opportunities. Also, he is in need of money for medical expenses for his ailing mother."
Cyber police are currently investigating whether Kant's intention was solely to establish business contacts or if there was an underlying motive to extort money in future. Kant has been booked under Information Technology Act's Section 66 (D) for identity theft.
Kant, who is well-versed with the internet, discovered a website that offered contact details of high-profile businessmen and bureaucrats worldwide for a fee of Rs 500. He made the online payment and obtained the office contact information of the Qatar royal family.
Kant was unable to manage a hotel business set up by his father after his demise and it incurred losses.
Patel was made aware of the misuse of his photo when he received a message from the Qatar royal family's personal assistant on July 20, alerting him about the suspicious message they had received. State cyber cell team, supervised by special inspector general Yashasvi Yadav and comprising deputy inspector general Sanjay Shintre and inspector Abhijit Sonawane, tracked down the number used by Kant, which was his personal number displaying Patel's photo.
read more