The Delhi Police Cyber Cell has arrested a Nigerian man, Patrick Ngomere, for allegedly hacking a pharmaceutical company’s email and siphoning off Rs 11.73 lakh ($13,361).
The fraud was initially reported through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Police apprehended Ngomere near an ATM in Greater Noida, where his mobile phone was found linked to the fraudulent bank account. He later confessed to the crime, authorities confirmed on Friday, February 7.
The scam began on December 10, 2024, when Janani Family Care Pvt. Ltd. received an email impersonating its vendor, Accent Pharma, requesting payment to a new account.
Unaware, the company transferred Rs 11.76 lakh. Upon verification, the fraud was uncovered. Investigators traced the hacked email to Nigeria and tracked the money to a Manipur bank account.
Surveillance footage led to Ngomere’s arrest. He was found without a valid Indian visa and is suspected to be part of a larger syndicate.
An FIR has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Foreigners Act.
Investigations are still ongoing.