Pune: Chief Growth Officer of the Company Booked for Confidential Data Theft
Pune :
A shocking case of corporate espionage has surfaced at Catalyst Services Solutions Partners, a Balewadi-based company that manages canteens and provides food services to employees across various states in India. The company’s confidential data, including financial records and branding strategies, was allegedly stolen by key officials before they resigned and joined another firm.
Sachin Shivajirao Desai (residing at Patilnagar, Balewadi) has filed a complaint in this regard at Chaturshringi Police Station. Based on this, the police have registered a case against Sushobhan Sarkar (residing at Kalewadi Road, Topaz Park, Kalewadi).
The case came to light when Sachin Desai, the Chief Human Resources Officer of Catalyst Services, filed a complaint at Chaturshringi Police Station. According to Desai, the theft occurred between April 6, 2020, and November 4, 2023. The primary accused, Sushobhan Sarkar, a former Chief Growth Officer of Catalyst Services, allegedly orchestrated the theft.
Catalyst Services is a prominent firm operating 120 units across India, employing over 5,000 people. The company offers a range of services, including canteen operations, employee meal arrangements, and breakfast solutions.
According to the information, trouble in the company began when Sushobhan Sarkar abruptly resigned via email on April 28, 2023. His departure was followed by the resignations of General Manager Yogesh Dudhan, and senior officials Manish Jirgale, Shashank Gupte, and Amol Gurjar. Lalit Malpe from the administration and insurance department also attempted to resign, but his resignation was withheld due to his suspected involvement in financial fraud.
As part of their exit formalities, the resigned employees returned their company-issued laptops. However, a forensic examination conducted by Magnet Forensic Examiner revealed shocking details. Investigators found that Sarkar, who had joined a rival company, Axon Corporate Services India in Malad, Mumbai, was actively receiving Catalyst’s confidential information through his former colleagues, particularly Malpe and Jirgale.
The forensic report disclosed that Sarkar had used his personal email ID to forward sensitive data, including agreements, mission statements, product branding materials, financial statements, and cost breakdowns, to his Apple cloud storage. This blatant violation of the company’s non-disclosure agreement not only breached trust but also caused significant financial losses to the company.
In this regard, police have lodged a complaint and Police Inspector Swapnil Shinde is leading further investigation.
