Pune firm supplying counter drone tech to MoD alleges data theft by ex-employee, probe launched

A First Information Report in the case was registered at MIDC Bhosari Police station last week based on the complaint filed by the company’s finance director. The firm is based in MIDC Bhosari area. It supplies counter drone and radar technology to the Ministry of Defence as well as to other security agencies in India. The FIR named a former employee of the firm who was working in the firm’s accounts department between October 2022 to mid 2023.

The former employee is a resident of Delhi.

The FIR stated that he worked both from the office premises and also from home during the time he was employed by the company and used the laptop issued to him by the firm. July 28, 2023 was when he had last reported to duty while working from home. After he failed to report after that, the firm had sent multiple emails and reminders but he did not respond. All this while he was in possession of a company laptop, which had sensitive information, including the company’s digital signature, GST and income tax account details, company contacts and login details of its director among other things, the FIR stated.

The person’s employment was terminated after repeated mails to return the computer. After repeated communications from the firm, the former employee couriered the laptop to the company. An inspection of the laptop revealed he had sent some data to his personal email address using the company computer which pertained to the finances of the firm, the complaint said.

An officer from the MIDC Bhosari police station, who is part of the probe, said, “The company had filed a case in the court against the said former employee. The court has subsequently directed that an FIR be registered. Based on the court’s directions, an FIR has been lodged and we have launched a probe. Our initial probe suggests that no technical details of the company’s products have been compromised. The data allegedly stolen pertains to finances.
We will be issuing notice to the former employee to appear before us for questioning.”