Chennai: Three held for running fake firm under Microsoft banner

CHENNAI: A city firm that had been functioning illegally under the Microsoft banner for eight years was busted by the CB-CID’s cyber crime wing unit on Thursday. Three directors of iTrope Technologies in Ambattur were arrested and a hunt was launched for two others.
The arrested __Vivek, Mohammad Umar, and Rajesh Philomin who studied computer technology together__ floated the company in 2013 and became board of directors. They expanded operations to Australia under a different name. In 2019, the Australian branch was raided and closed down. Despite this, the trio continued to operate in Ambattur.
Thursday’s raid led by SP Rohit Nathan found there were about 100 employees working round-the-clock and receiving salaries in cash.
Explaining the modus operandi, a CB-CID officer said the company floated an ad on Google, offering Microsoft services. The advertisement also displayed toll-free numbers customers could reach. Those who approached the company were made to believe it was associated with Microsoft. They were convinced to install applications that would allow the firm access to their personal computers. By gaining such access, the company often cooked up fake technical issues, resolved them and collected money for the services rendered.
Based on a complaint from Microsoft India Private Limited, the firm was searched for about eight hours. Several incriminating documents and material were seized. The arrested will be remanded on Friday.