Fraudsters Posed as CSR Executives, Used Fake Documents to Gain Trust and Extract Funds
BENGALURU (India CSR): A major case of impersonation and financial fraud has surfaced in Bengaluru, where a group posing as senior corporate social responsibility (CSR) officials of Infosys Ltd allegedly cheated a city-based company of nearly Rs 6 crore, police said.
The complaint was filed by Mysore Mercantile Company Ltd (MMCL), which accused a group led by one Gagan N. Deep of orchestrating the fraud between September 2025 and March 2026 by falsely promising CSR funding for social projects.
Table Rs 6 Crore Infosys CSR Fraud Case
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Case Type | Impersonation & Financial Fraud |
| Location | Bengaluru, Karnataka |
| Complainant | Mysore Mercantile Company Ltd (MMCL) |
| Accused | Gagan N. Deep, Chetan, Tejas, and others |
| Fraud Period | September 1, 2025 – March 20, 2026 |
| Amount Involved | Rs 6 Crore |
| Modus Operandi | Posed as Infosys CSR officials, demanded EMDs for fake CSR grants |
| Target Entity | Heggunje Rajeeva Shetty Charitable Trust |
| Fake Entities Used | Anitha Ventures, ANS Engineerings |
| Major Transactions | Rs 1.7 Cr, Rs 50 Lakh, Rs 75 Lakh, Rs 3.7 Cr + Rs 30 Lakh cash |
| Fake Documents | Forged sanction letter (Oct 21, 2025), grant agreements (Jan 2026) |
| Promised Projects | Rs 350+ Cr projects (housing, health centres) |
| Charges Filed Under | Cheating, impersonation, forgery, criminal breach of trust (BNS) |
| Current Status | Accused absconding, police investigation underway |
| Evidence Submitted | Agreements, demand drafts, communication records |
Accused Built Credibility Through Fake Identity
According to the complaint, Gagan allegedly introduced himself as a regional head of CSR at Infosys and claimed to be reporting to senior company officials. He approached MMCL with an offer to support projects undertaken by its associated entity, Heggunje Rajeeva Shetty Charitable Trust.
To reinforce their claims, the accused reportedly deployed a team posing as Infosys representatives to conduct field visits in Udupi, Mangaluru, and other areas. These visits were projected as part of a formal due diligence process, helping them gain the confidence of the complainant.
Investigators said this elaborate setup created a convincing impression of legitimacy and institutional backing.
Rs 6 Crore Collected as ‘Deposits’ for CSR Funding
Police said the accused persuaded MMCL to transfer large sums of money under the pretext of earnest money deposits (EMDs), claiming they were mandatory to secure CSR grants.
Acting on these assurances, the company transferred around Rs 6 crore through multiple demand drafts to entities presented as authorised vendors, including Anitha Ventures and ANS Engineerings.
The transactions included payments of Rs 1.7 crore, Rs 50 lakh, and Rs 75 lakh to Anitha Ventures on different occasions, as well as a significant transfer of Rs 3.7 crore to ANS Engineerings. Additionally, Rs 30 lakh was allegedly handed over in cash through a driver near a hotel in Devanahalli.
Forged Documents Used to Strengthen Deception
To further convince the complainant, the accused allegedly issued forged documents, including a purported sanction letter dated October 21, 2025, and grant agreements signed in January 2026.
The documents outlined ambitious CSR projects worth over Rs 350 crore, including the construction of 855 houses and establishment of primary health centres across Karnataka.
Police officials said these documents were instrumental in sustaining the fraud over several months.
Fraud Uncovered After Funds Failed to Materialise
Suspicion arose when the promised CSR funds were not released despite repeated follow-ups by MMCL. The accused subsequently became unresponsive, prompting the company to approach law enforcement authorities.
A senior police officer confirmed that a case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges of cheating, criminal breach of trust, impersonation, and forgery.
Police Launch Manhunt, Examine Evidence
Police said the accused are currently untraceable, and efforts are underway to locate and apprehend them. Investigators are examining key documents submitted by the complainant, including agreements, demand drafts, and communication records.
Officials indicated that further leads are being pursued to identify additional individuals or entities involved in the fraud.
Rising Concern Over CSR-Linked Frauds
The case has raised concerns over misuse of corporate identities and the increasing sophistication of frauds linked to CSR funding.
Experts have cautioned organisations to verify credentials and conduct due diligence before engaging in financial transactions, particularly in cases involving large-scale grants or partnerships.
The incident underscores the need for stronger safeguards and awareness to prevent exploitation of trust in corporate and social development initiatives.
(India CSR)
