CBI Arrests Man Accused of Posing as Government Official and Demanding Bribes from Loan Applicants
Agra, July 19, 2026: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a man accused of impersonating an official of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, and allegedly demanding bribes from applicants seeking loans under a government-supported scheme. The accused was arrested from his residence in Agra district, Uttar Pradesh, following an extensive investigation involving digital surveillance, mobile phone records and financial transactions.
According to the CBI, the case was initially registered by its Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) in Dehradun on June 29, 2026. The investigation began after a complaint alleged that a person claiming to be an official posted at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi, had demanded ₹45,000 from the complainant. The amount was reportedly calculated at 2% of a proposed loan of ₹22.5 lakh.
The complainant operates a poultry farm in Lalpur village, Kashipur tehsil, Udham Singh Nagar district, Uttarakhand. He had applied for financial assistance through the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) using the Udyami Mitra portal managed by SIDBI.
The accused allegedly used his false claim of being a government official to convince loan applicants that he could influence the processing and approval of their applications. He reportedly threatened or suggested that applicants could face loan rejection or be asked to resubmit their applications unless they paid the demanded amount.
CBI Trap Reveals an Alleged Bribery Network
On June 29, 2026, the CBI laid a trap after receiving the complaint. During the operation, ₹5,000 was allegedly paid as the first instalment of the demanded bribe through a QR code sent to the complainant’s mobile phone.
Using the QR code and associated bank account details, investigators traced a private individual who was arrested from his residence on June 30, 2026. However, during interrogation, the CBI found that he was allegedly not the main accused impersonating the government official.
The investigation subsequently revealed an alleged pattern of targeting numerous AHIDF loan applicants. According to the agency, the accused had access to information relating to loan applications and used that information to contact applicants by telephone. He allegedly demanded money by claiming he could prevent applications from being rejected, facilitate the submission of corrected documents or help secure loan approvals.
Investigators further alleged that money was collected through UPI transactions using QR codes linked to bank accounts belonging to other applicants. The funds were then reportedly transferred to additional bank accounts through further UPI transactions, making it more difficult to trace the movement of the money and identify those involved.
Digital Investigation Leads CBI to the Suspect
After identifying the suspected network, the CBI intensified efforts to locate the main accused, who had allegedly been evading arrest. Investigators visited Delhi, Agra and nearby areas as part of the search operation.
The agency analysed call detail records (CDRs) of several mobile numbers linked to the accused, examined bank accounts associated with suspected individuals and studied IP addresses connected to loan applications. The CBI also questioned officials associated with SIDBI and AHIDF, along with loan applicants, to gather additional information about the alleged scheme.
According to the investigation, the accused allegedly used different mobile numbers to contact applicants and frequently changed locations, including Agra, Jaipur and Delhi, in an attempt to avoid detection.
Through information gathered from sources and digital surveillance, the CBI eventually learned that the accused had returned to his residence in Chhota Pootha Bisarana village, under Dauki police station, Fatehabad tehsil, Agra district, Uttar Pradesh.
Acting on this information, the CBI arrested him from the village on July 19, 2026.
Searches Conducted, Further Legal Proceedings Awaited
Following the arrest, the CBI conducted searches at the accused’s residential premises and seized documents considered relevant to the investigation.
The arrested accused is to be produced before the competent court in Dehradun for further legal proceedings. The investigation is focused on establishing the full extent of the alleged fraud, identifying other persons who may have been involved and determining how information relating to loan applicants was accessed and misused.
The case highlights the risks faced by people applying for loans when individuals falsely claim to represent government departments or financial institutions. Applicants should rely on official communication channels and avoid making unofficial payments in exchange for loan approval or faster processing.
The CBI’s investigation into the alleged impersonation and bribery scheme is continuing.
News Source: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) – Official Press Release
