Delhi Police have arrested two individuals from Bhubaneswar, Odisha, for allegedly orchestrating a sophisticated fraud that resulted in a rice trader in northwest Delhi losing goods worth ₹20 lakh. The case, which investigators describe as an example of “carefully planned commercial impersonation,” highlights how fraudsters increasingly exploit forged corporate identities to gain the trust of business owners engaged in routine trade. According to police officials, the accused posed as authorised representatives of a well-known agricultural products company and used fabricated documents, forged seals, and polished communication methods to convince the trader that they were legitimate buyers seeking to establish long-term procurement arrangements.

Police identified the arrested men as Basudev Swain, originally from Lucknow, and Deepak Kumar, a resident of Varanasi. Their associate, named by the complainant as Amit Kumar Singh, remains at large. Officers said the arrests were made on Thursday after an extensive operation that spanned multiple states and involved both technical analysis and local intelligence gathering. The investigation originated from a complaint filed by a rice trader who operates a food supply business in northwest Delhi and routinely deals with bulk buyers from different regions.

The trader reported that the three accused approached him by claiming to represent Smartvalue Ltd., an established company operating in the agricultural goods sector. The men reportedly presented themselves as company officials responsible for sourcing rice for quality testing and future large-scale procurement for distribution networks. This premise allowed them to initiate conversations that appeared formally structured and credible. They produced documents carrying the company’s name, used seals that resembled official stamps, and maintained communication patterns consistent with professional buyers. In statements to the police, the complainant said the trio’s behaviour, documentation, and verbal commitments seemed entirely in line with standard business practices, leaving him no reason to suspect foul play.

Trusting the credentials provided, the trader supplied rice consignments worth approximately ₹20 lakh. The transactions were made against proper bills and delivery notes, all documented in accordance with commercial norms. The complainant stated that the accused assured him that payments would follow through official channels once the procurement process was completed. However, after the goods were delivered, the accused abruptly switched off their mobile phones and stopped responding to all communication attempts. Their sudden disappearance raised immediate suspicion, prompting the trader to verify the details of the company they had claimed to represent.

During this verification process, the trader learned that the documents, seals, and credentials presented by the men were entirely fabricated. None of the individuals were employed by or associated with Smartvalue Ltd. in any manner. The authorised representative of the company later confirmed this in writing to the police, stating unequivocally that the accused were not connected with them in any capacity. This confirmation formed a crucial part of the complaint and allowed the police to register a formal case of cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Bhisham Singh, who is supervising the case, explained that the investigation required extensive technical surveillance. Police teams analysed call records, digital footprints, travel patterns, and device activity linked to the accused. These inputs were combined with ground-level intelligence from associates, local informants, and logistical networks. The coordinated effort eventually led the investigators to Bhubaneswar, where they believed the suspects had taken refuge after executing the fraud. A police team was dispatched to the city, and after several days of reconnaissance, both Swain and Kumar were apprehended in raids at separate locations.

During interrogation, the arrested men allegedly admitted to orchestrating the fraud. Police officials said the duo confessed that this was not an isolated incident and that they had been engaging in similar schemes to earn what they described as “easy money.” Their method reportedly involved forging official papers, creating seals that resembled those used by reputed companies, and adopting roles that would elicit trust from traders dealing with high-value goods. By presenting themselves as representatives of established organisations, they were able to deceive multiple business owners into supplying large quantities of products without upfront payments.

Investigators believe the group had developed a structured modus operandi. They would first identify companies with strong brand reputations and then replicate their corporate documentation, including letterheads, stamps, and employee identities. After gaining initial trust, the accused would propose small-scale test procurements to appear legitimate. Once their targets agreed to provide goods, they would ensure quick collection and then immediately disappear. This strategy allowed them to avoid prolonged communication, minimise direct interactions, and reduce the risk of being tracked before they left the area.

Police are currently working to trace the third accused, Amit Kumar Singh, who is believed to have played a key role in planning or executing the fraud. Investigators are also trying to determine whether more individuals are involved in the network, particularly those skilled in producing forged documents and seals. The team is examining whether the group had access to specialised forgery equipment or external collaborators who supplied the counterfeit materials. As part of the ongoing investigation, officers are analysing digital devices seized from the arrested men and scrutinising their financial records to track profits derived from similar crimes.

Authorities have also appealed to the public, especially traders in the agricultural and commodities sectors, to come forward if they suspect they may have been approached by the same individuals. Initial evidence suggests the possibility of multiple victims who may have been deceived through similar tactics but have not yet filed complaints. Police plan to broaden the scope of the probe to include multiple states, as the suspects’ movements and operations appear to span a wider geographical area.

The case has drawn attention to the vulnerabilities in routine business transactions, particularly in sectors where large consignments are supplied based on trust, past practice, or verbal agreements. Police officials advise traders to independently verify credentials of individuals claiming to represent corporate entities, especially when dealing with first-time buyers offering large-scale procurement proposals. They emphasise the importance of cross-checking official phone numbers, email addresses, and employee identities through verified company channels rather than relying solely on documents presented by visiting representatives.

As the investigation continues, Delhi Police maintain that they are committed to identifying all members of the network and ensuring justice for the victims. The arrested men remain in custody and will face charges related to cheating, forgery, and conspiracy, offences that carry significant penalties under Indian law. Further developments are expected as the search for the remaining accused intensifies and potential additional victims are identified.