Economic Crime Cell authorities investigating large scale financial irregularities have uncovered a case of alleged identity theft that traces back to a migrant worker’s short-lived job in Delhi. The matter has triggered probes by tax departments across multiple states and led the Delhi Police Economic Offences Wing to register a criminal case involving transactions worth ₹48 crore.
In April 2019 Karan Kumar Ram arrived in Delhi from Siwan Bihar in search of work. He was hired as a data entry operator at a footwear and watches manufacturing unit in the Inderlok area of north Delhi. The job paid ₹15000 per month and followed informal terms. Ram said he was asked to submit his PAN and Aadhaar cards to open a salary account. He complied after being told that a bank executive would complete the verification process. No account details were ever shared and he was instead paid in cash. After about 3 months in December 2019 he was informed over a phone call that his services were no longer required and he returned to Bihar unemployed.
The situation changed in January 2023 when Ram received a notice from the Income Tax Department Karnataka office seeking clarification for transactions worth crores. Similar notices later arrived from Gurugram in Haryana and from Bihar. According to senior police officers the notices referred to transactions of ₹48 crore during the 2020 to 21 financial year and ₹35.05 lakh in 2019 to 20. The transactions were allegedly conducted by a company registered in Ram’s name. The amounts were far beyond anything connected to his work history. Ram also told police that during his brief employment he was persuaded to change the address on his Aadhaar card.
Investigators from the Economic Offences Wing believe an organised group used Ram’s documents to register a company open bank accounts and route large sums of money without his knowledge. Police say such cases often target migrant and informal sector workers who routinely submit identity documents for jobs. Based on a preliminary probe the EOW registered an FIR on December 24 for cheating by impersonation forgery and criminal conspiracy. Arrests have been made though details remain undisclosed due to the ongoing investigation.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.
