CBI Uncovers Bribery Case Involving Delhi Police Officer and Hawala Operators
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has revealed a troubling network involving foreign SIM cards and multiple hawala operators linked to an alleged bribery case against a Delhi police sub-inspector. The accused officer, identified as Rahul Malik, is facing charges for demanding and receiving a bribe of ₹2.5 lakh from a Navi Mumbai-based businessman. This sum was part of a larger amount he sought in exchange for not arresting the businessman or his relative in an ongoing cyber fraud case.
Investigation Findings
According to sources within the CBI, the investigation has unraveled a complex and multi-layered network of individuals facilitating illicit financial transactions. Allegations indicate that hawala operators operating out of Mumbai, Erode (Tamil Nadu), and New Delhi played significant roles in transferring the bribe amount. A CBI official noted, “The investigation has also revealed the involvement of certain other individuals, which needs further verification. Additionally, a technical probe is underway to determine the potential roles of accomplices.”
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Malik was arrested in Delhi and subsequently brought to Mumbai on March 20 after a special court in the national capital granted a transit remand. He is currently in judicial custody and has filed for bail. During the hearing for the transit remand, he challenged the legality of his arrest. At the time of the incident, Malik was stationed at the Cyber Police Station in Rohini, where the initial investigation was underway.
The CBI has approached a special court in Mumbai to secure Malik’s voice sample for verification purposes. The agency initiated the case following a written complaint from the businessman against the accused officer and other unidentified individuals under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Background of the Case
The businessman, who operates a tour-and-travel company in Mumbai, discovered that the login credentials provided by a Delhi-based private company for his virtual wallets were associated with a fake identity. This issue was reportedly under investigation by the Cyber Police Station in Rohini.
On March 7, Malik allegedly visited the businessman’s residence in Navi Mumbai and demanded a bribe of ₹50 lakh to clear any charges against him and his brother-in-law. The following day, Malik called the businessman to a Mumbai hotel, indicating a revised bribe demand of ₹16 lakh via a text message on his mobile phone. After negotiations, they settled on ₹14 lakh, along with instructions on how the payment should be made.
Later, the businessman received details about a hawala token number along with contact information for a Mumbai-based hawala operator. Acting on this information, the CBI set up a trap and apprehended the operator while he was allegedly accepting ₹2.5 lakh on behalf of Malik.
The unfolding events have raised serious concerns regarding corruption and the intricate networks facilitating such unlawful activities. As the investigation continues, further details are expected to emerge.