Five Charged in Kathmandu Cyber Fraud Case Involving Rs 750,000 Theft

Kathmandu. A case has been filed at the Kathmandu District Court against 5 individuals on charges of hacking a desktop computer and illegally transferring more than Rs 750,000 from a bank account. 

The case was filed on Tuesday by the District Government Attorney’s Office after the Cyber Bureau completed its investigation based on a complaint logged by Sujan Chitrakar. The accused has been charged with the offence of fraud involving electronic means.

According to the charge sheet, Chitrakar used his desktop computer when he was prompted to change his password. He reportedly received nearly 100 OTP messages in quick succession. He later changed the password and saved it on Google. Shortly after, his computer displayed an “updating” message and shut down.

Investigators claim that during this period, a hacker group gained remote access to his system, took control of the desktop, and entered the ‘Connect IPS’  platform. Using OTPs obtained via the victim’s logged-in email, the group allegedly transferred Rs 750,000 to multiple bank accounts in a short time.

The investigation found that funds were routed through accounts linked to Lumbini Bikas Bank and Laxmi Sunrise Bank. Of the total amount, Rs  549,000 was transferred to Sanjib Kumar Sharma of Rajbiraj Municipality-9, Saptari; Rs 100,000 to Saroj Bista of Bajura; and Rs 50,000 to Ujwal Basnet of Morang.

Similarly, Rs 50,000 was transferred to Danish Shahi via RSC Enterprises, while Rs 5,000 was received by Rupa Kumari Thapa through Jai Shree Mahalaxmi Surgical House. All five accused individuals involved in the fraud are currently on the wanted list.

The charge sheet states that details regarding the exact method of the desktop breach and the roles of the accused have not been fully disclosed. Since the defendants are on the run, their statements have not been recorded. 

The Office of the Government Attorney has sought prosecution under Section 249 (1) and (2) of the Muluki Criminal Code, 2074, carrying a possible sentence of up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to Rs 71,000 if convicted.  

It has also sought recovery of the stolen amount under Section 254 of the Code, along with compensation to the Victim Relief Fund under the Victim Protection Act, 2075. The court has been requested to issue arrest warrants against all the absconding accused and proceed with further legal action.

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