From Embezzlement to Executive Frauds: How Private Investigators Can Help

Lt Col Vipin Bhatia (Retd)
CEO, Hatfield

In contemporary times, there have been countless instances where individuals or businesses encounter various malicious activities in their daily lives, often catching them off-guard and leaving them feeling utterly helpless. These incidents significantly disrupt their peace of mind and productivity, creating a profound sense of betrayal. Such incidents encompass a wide range of offences including theft, digital and financial fraud such as credit card scams and online frauds, asset misappropriation, identity theft, and numerous others.

Hatfield Investigation & Consulting, a leading investigation firm, has a track record of assisting individuals and industries in effectively resolving such incidents. We have successfully investigated and exposed numerous fraudsters, providing resolutions directly or in collaboration with internal investigation teams. Over the years, we have been privileged to contribute to resolving cases across various sectors including steel, oil & gas, logistics, manufacturing, hospitals, and more.

This article marks the beginning of a series where we highlight a case from the hospital sector and two cases from the financial industry, showcasing our experience in uncovering and investigating fraudulent activities. We will also include ‘Additional Bytes,’ on common points to safeguard against thefts/ frauds/ cyber crimes etc.

Major Hospital Medicine Theft Case

In a high-stakes theft at one of the largest hospitals in New Delhi, medicines worth Rs.27 Lakhs were stolen from the pharmacy department. Detective Ajit Singh played a pivotal role in unravelling the mystery of the stolen medicines, valued at Rs.27 Lakhs. Faced with 200 employees, Singh methodically narrowed the suspects to 20 through meticulous analysis. After implementing intensive surveillance, the list was reduced to 10 suspects in a week, and finally to 5 individuals. Coordinating with law enforcement, three out of the five suspects were apprehended, recovering medicines worth Rs. 5 Lakhs. Multiple surveillance and discreet investigation teams were instrumental in building a strong case. The conviction was very strong, with the first accused granted bail after 11 months. Ajit Singh was honoured with the ‘Private Investigator of the Year Award’ for his exceptional achievements in solving the theft case.

Financials Frauds (Huge Digital Loots)

Digital payments have become the norm of the hour. Goods are being dropped at the doorstep and numerous modes of payment are available. Customer is put into huge comfort. With the digital revolution, India is probably the only country where even a roadside cart puller can pull off digital payments.

India has become the hub of financial frauds via various digital modes of payment. Every day, news on fraud coming out in the open has become normal. In India, digital payment frauds are now at an all-time high at INR14.57 billion in the first six months of the financial year 2024.

Pune WhatsApp Case (2.45 Cr loss)

Cyber criminals added two brothers to a WhatsApp group and enticed them with promises of substantial earnings through a ‘share trading account.’ Both brothers, who were IT professionals, were manipulated by a tech-savvy fraudsters using deceptive software that falsely displayed significant profits in their investment portfolio. Instead of withdrawing their funds, they continued to invest as instructed based on tips from the group.

The fraudsters transferred money to various bank accounts, leading the brothers to believe their investments were being traded in the stock market. They were misled into thinking their initial 2 crore investment had grown to 8 crores. In March 2024, when they attempted to withdraw their supposed earnings, they were informed that SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) had frozen the account due to surveillance concerns.

How to Safeguard against such scam

Don’t join a new WhatsApp group unless the people and admins of the group are known to you.
Always check the legitimacy of the group you are joining, and cross-question the one asking you to join.
Groups promising unrealistic rewards or exclusive deals are scams.
Anyone asking to invest quickly for larger financial gains must be treated with suspicion.
Must not click on unknown links or files linked to offering huge returns.
Don’t share personal numbers, bank information such as PAN card, Aadhaar Card and addresses to unknown people or on WhatsApp groups.
People now even try to trap by posing from legitimate companies, with some fake identity, must not believe them. Must visit their premises first before taking any next step for investment.

Visakhapatnam Fake Customs Official Case (5.92Cr loss)

Fraudsters impersonating customs officials or law enforcement agencies contact individuals, claiming parcels addressed in their name have been seized due to allegations involving narcotics, counterfeit passports, or illicit weapons. They coerce victims into participating in video calls where they appear in police uniforms, and brandish government IDs like Aadhaar cards submitted during courier deposits, lending credibility to their claims. They fabricate convincing narratives and eventually request small sums of money, disguised as public fines or legal fees, to resolve the supposed legal issues. In Visakhapatnam alone, by May 2024, 12 instances of courier fraud were reported, amounting to a staggering loss of 5.92 crore rupees, where victims were coerced into depositing large sums as ‘resolution fees.’

How to Safeguard against such courier frauds/ scam

Don’t pick up calls from an unknown number.
If picked, always deal with this call from an unknown number as ‘highly suspicious.’
Whenever any official agency name is shared – ask for the address, landline number and exact address.
Enforce that you will visit the premises to resolve this case.
Ask for the name, designation and exact organisation of the person. Do not forget to note down his mobile number.
Do not act in a hurry to send money.
If possible, involve your friends and relatives in this case and reach out to the nearest police station.
Do not share any account number bank or any information unless the person calling is proven correct.
Don’t share personal numbers, bank information, PAN card, Aadhaar Card and addresses with unknown people or on WhatsApp groups.

Additional Bytes

How to protect yourself against cyber crimes

Secure your critical information: Store passwords, user IDs, account numbers, bank details, and net banking information in encrypted software on your digital devices. Consider investing in reliable encryption software for added security.
Keep notifications on: Enable notifications on for all transactions. If you don’t receive a notification for a transaction, treat it with suspicion and promptly verify with your bank.
Limit open account balances: Avoid keeping large sums in open accounts. Consider converting excess funds into fixed deposits linked to your account to minimize exposure to fraud.
Guard your card: Treat your card like cash – never lend it out. Change passwords regularly and use strong, unique combinations.
Beware of scams: Educate yourself and your family about common scams. Awareness is key to preventing financial losses.
Educate about Phishing: Teach all family members about phishing and social engineering tactics used by cyber criminals.
Utilize bank fraud monitoring services: Inquire if your bank offers fraud monitoring services for your online banking activities.
Regular account audits: Manually review your account statements frequently to spot any unauthorized transactions.
Keep platforms updated: Ensure all your digital platforms are regularly updated. Updated systems have enhanced security features.
Implement 2FA: Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible and set up challenge questions for added security.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Refrain from accessing sensitive information over public Wi-Fi networks, which are susceptible to data extraction by unauthorized parties.