Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh: A major bank fraud case has come to light in Bilaspur, where a bank employee working in HDFC Bank has been arrested for cheating a lawyer of more than ₹3 crore. The accused allegedly trapped the victim with a fake promise of a ₹500 crore foreign investment project for building a cancer hospital and other institutions.
Fake ₹500 Crore Investment Offer
According to police, the victim, advocate Arun Mishra, was contacted in early 2024 through WhatsApp by a foreign number. The sender introduced himself as a UK-based person and later connected the lawyer with a woman claiming to be from Scotland.
They offered a huge investment plan of ₹500 crore to build a cancer hospital, a blind institute, and a law college in India. The lawyer was promised a partnership in this big project, which made the offer appear genuine and attractive.
How the Fraud Was Done
The accused, Naveen June, who works at HDFC Bank, used this plan to gain the victim’s trust. Initially, everything looked professional, including project discussions and legal steps.
Later, the fraudsters claimed that a Demand Draft (DD) of ₹103 crore had been issued but was stuck due to clearance issues. They then asked the victim to pay money for various reasons such as Processing fees, Customs charges, RBI clearance, Taxes, etc. Believing the story, the lawyer transferred more than ₹3 crore to different bank accounts.
Use of Banking Knowledge in Crime
Police investigation revealed that Naveen June used his banking knowledge to carry out the fraud. He created fake email IDs pretending to be officials from Embassy, Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Banks. These fake communications made the scam look real and convinced the victim to keep paying money.
Police Action and Seizure
When the promised ₹103 crore never came, the victim became suspicious and filed a complaint at Chakarbhata Police Station. Police tracked the money trail and arrested Naveen June. During the investigation, they also seized Mahindra Thar, Maruti Venue, Mobile phones, Tablets and laptops.
Possibility of a Bigger Network
Police believe that the accused may not have acted alone. Officials suspect the involvement of other people who helped in:
- Providing foreign virtual numbers
- Creating fake identities
- Transferring money through multiple accounts
Investigation is ongoing to identify the full network.
What Happens Next
Naveen June has been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for cheating and forgery. Police are now working with cyber experts to:
- Trace the remaining money
- Identify other accused
- Track bank accounts used in the fraud
Important Advice for the Public
This case is a warning for everyone. Always verify any foreign investment offer through official sources. Do not transfer money based on:
- WhatsApp messages
- Unknown emails
- Unverified documents
Being careful can help avoid such big financial losses.
