At our digital forensics firm, we don’t just assist in individual cases we also help organizations and institutions protect their sensitive data. One such recent case involved a bank management who suspected that a former employee had misused internal data to set up a competing organization.

Here’s how our cyber forensic team investigated the case and uncovered key digital evidence.

I. Case Background: Suspicious Shift of Customers

The management of a reputed cooperative bank visited our registered office with a serious concern. He explained that a former bank employee, after several years of service, had resigned and gone on to establish his own bank. While the career move itself was legitimate, what raised red flags was that several loyal customers of the original bank had suddenly started shifting to this newly opened bank.

The current bank management strongly suspected that customer data may have been stolen prior to the employee’s resignation—used to solicit and divert clients.

To investigate further, they provided us with the laptop previously used by the former employee, asking us to identify any digital traces or links between the two banks.

II. Forensic Examination of the Exhibit

Our forensic experts performed a detailed analysis of the laptop, including:

1. Hard disk image acquisition
2. Browser history review
3. File system analysis
4. USB connection logs
5. Email login trails

During the investigation, we uncovered several key findings that raised serious concerns:

III. Findings:

• A RAR file containing customer data, including names, contact details, and account-related info.
• Files and images of the new bank’s logo, indicating preparation for branding.
• Browser history showing visits to logo design websites, specifically during working hours while employed at the original bank.
• Email login traces from the same laptop, suggesting use of the device for both banks.
• Logs of connected pendrives, hinting at possible data transfers.

These findings established a clear digital link between the former employee’s activities while at the original bank and his preparations for the new venture.

IV. Attempted Deletion & Recovery from Temp Folders

Interestingly, the former employee had attempted to delete many of these incriminating files and browser histories. However, during forensic imaging, we uncovered:

• Residual files in temp folders
• Unprocessed cached images
• System-generated backup files
• Thumbnail cache and prefetch entries showing recent file access

These hidden traces helped reconstruct the deleted activity, showing a clear pattern of preparation for the competing business—while still employed at the original bank.

IV. Court-Admissible Reporting

Once the evidence was extracted, our team followed proper forensic protocols to:

• Preserve all file metadata and system timestamps
• Maintain chain of custody records
• Compile the findings into a structured, court-admissible report

This report was handed over to the current bank management, giving them solid evidence to take legal or regulatory action if required.

V. Possible Legal Charges in This Case

Based on our findings, the bank may consider the following legal provisions under Indian law or similar laws internationally:

• Section 43 of the IT Act, 2000 – Unauthorized downloading, copying, or extraction of data.
• Section 66 of the IT Act, 2000 – Section 66 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, addresses “computer-related offences”. It punishes anyone who, dishonestly or fraudulently, performs any act mentioned in Section 43
• Breach of Employment Contract – If a non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement was in place.
• Section 316 BNS – Criminal breach of trust by a clerk or servant.
• Section 318 BNS – Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property.

Such cases not only invite civil liability but also potential criminal prosecution depending on the severity of data misuse and resulting damages.

VI. Conclusion: Why Digital Forensics Matters in Corporate Investigations

This case highlighted how insider threats can have long-term business consequences—and how professional digital forensics can help trace unauthorized activity even after years have passed.

At our firm, we assist businesses in uncovering:

• Data theft or leakage
• Unethical employee behavior
• Internal misuse of company assets

Are You a Business Facing a Similar Situation?

If you suspect that confidential data has been stolen, clients have been misled, or company devices misused, our team can help uncover the truth.

We offer:

• Laptop & system forensic analysis
• USB and file transfer tracking
• Court-admissible reporting
• Email and browser activity investigation

Contact us today to protect your organization’s integrity with digital proof.