Two people have been arrested so far.
The senders of the communications claimed to be in possession of extensive “confidential” and “damaging” information relating to the company’s operations and regulatory compliance, the cybercrime cell of Cyberabad police in Hyderabad said in a statement.
Hetero officials declined to comment as the case is sub-judice.
Emails sent by the fraudsters had threatened to forward the purported information to the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) if the ransom was not paid.
To step up pressure on the company, the perpetrators falsely asserted that they possessed the ability to influence or “manage” the USFDA, thereby attempting to create an impression of imminent regulatory action, compliance complications and reputational harm, the police said.On its part, Hetero had emphasised in the complaint that the allegations were fabricated and malicious, and that the threats were calculated to coerce the company into acceding to unlawful demands, resulting in the matter being formally reported for appropriate legal action.The note from the cybercrime cell added that the fraudsters’ actions resulted in serious reputational and regulatory risks to the company, including an actual USFDA inspection triggered by the fabricated claims.
The modus operandi of the accused included creating fake email identities while they impersonated as a USFDA official.
“They sent threatening emails alleging regulatory violations and impending USFDA action. Fabricated documents and screenshots were supplied to pressurise the company. The accused used Signal-the private messenger app-to communicate with the USFDA,” the police statement said, adding the ransom was demanded to suppress false information.
Last month, the USFDA had observed, as part of its inspection, several violations at a warehouse of Hetero Labs in Visakhapatnam, including damaged drums, some with open lids, and torn labels. The team of USFDA officials also found flying birds, lizards and cats at the warehouse. Hetero officials had maintained that the warehouse was not used for US supplies.
