In a shocking turn of events, a significant amount of money was stolen from the bank account of F1 Soft International Pvt. Ltd. at Citizens Bank. The incident, which involved the theft of over 3.5 crore rupees, has sent shockwaves through the financial community. This article delves into the details of the theft, the investigation, and the legal actions being taken.
The Incident
Timeline of Events
The theft occurred over a span of four days, from October 1 to October 4, 2024. During this period, a total of 3 crore 39 lakh 50 thousand 372 rupees was systematically siphoned off from F1 Soft’s business account at Citizens Bank. The company reported that the funds were transferred illegally by unauthorized individuals who gained access to the account.
Discovery and Reporting
F1 Soft discovered the theft on October 26 and immediately filed a complaint with the Cyber Bureau. The bureau swiftly initiated an investigation, focusing on tracing the flow of the stolen funds and identifying the culprits.
Investigation and Arrests
Initial Findings
The Cyber Bureau’s investigation revealed that the stolen amount was transferred to multiple accounts. A team of 24 individuals was identified as being involved in the first phase of the investigation. All 24 individuals were subsequently charged and brought to court.
Arrests and Fugitives
Out of the 24 accused, 9 have been apprehended by the police, while the remaining 15 are still at large. Those arrested have confessed to receiving instructions to transfer the funds to various accounts, keeping a portion for themselves, and transferring the rest elsewhere.
Modus Operandi
Social Media Lure
Most of the accused reported being lured through a Facebook advertisement promising easy money by working from home. Upon clicking the ad, they were directed to a Telegram channel where they were given instructions on how to perform the tasks.
Transfer of Funds
The accused were instructed to send their bank’s QR code to the Telegram channel. Shortly after, amounts ranging from 1 lakh to 3 lakh rupees were deposited into their accounts. They were then instructed to transfer a portion of the funds to other accounts, keeping a small commission for themselves. This process continued from October 1 to October 4.
Legal Actions
Charges and Penalties
The prosecution has charged the accused under the prevailing laws against fraud. According to the Muluki Ain (Country Code) of Nepal, 2074, those found guilty of fraud can face up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to seventy thousand rupees.
Compensation Demands
The prosecution has demanded that the accused return the total stolen amount of 3 crore 39 lakh 50 thousand 372 rupees. Additionally, they have requested further compensation for the damages incurred. The prosecution alleges that the accused acted in collusion to carry out the theft.
Conclusion
The theft of 3.5 crore rupees from F1 Soft’s account at Citizens Bank is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in the financial system. As the investigation continues, it is crucial for financial institutions and individuals to remain vigilant against such fraudulent activities. The legal system must also ensure that the culprits are brought to justice and the victims are adequately compensated.
FAQ's
How was the theft discovered?
The theft was discovered by F1 Soft on October 26, 2024, when they noticed unauthorized transactions in their bank account.
What is the role of the Cyber Bureau in this case?
The Cyber Bureau is investigating the theft, tracing the flow of the stolen funds, and identifying the individuals involved.
How were the accused lured into the scheme?
The accused were lured through a Facebook advertisement promising easy money by working from home.
What are the legal consequences for the accused?
The accused face charges of fraud, which can result in up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to seventy thousand rupees.
What compensation is being sought by the prosecution?
The prosecution is seeking the return of the stolen amount of 3 crore 39 lakh 50 thousand 372 rupees, along with additional compensation for damages.