Hyderabad: Cyberabad Police on Wednesday arrested two people involved in a major extortion and cyber-intimidation scheme against the Hetero Group of Companies, a leading pharmaceutical firm.
The case began in August when a senior Hetero executive received threatening emails. The suspects demanded USD 250 million and falsely claimed to possess sensitive internal data. They also threatened to file fake complaints with the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA).
Cybercrimes DCP B. Sai Sri explained that the accused created fake email accounts posing as USFDA officials. They sent fabricated claims of regulatory violations and shared fake documents and screenshots to build pressure. As a result, the USFDA conducted a real inspection.
Fake emails and Signal app used in cyber plot
Police identified the accused as Gadi Manikanta and Yendapalli Jessy Sudarshan. They used the Signal app for secret communication and coordinated threats to force a payout.
To prevent similar attacks, Cyberabad Police issued a public warning. They urged businesses to verify any regulatory email through official channels. Additionally, they advised against replying to suspicious messages and encouraged saving all digital evidence.
Further safety tips include turning on multi-factor authentication (MFA), performing regular cybersecurity checks, and reporting cybercrimes to the national helpline 1930 or via www.cybercrime.gov.in.