Mumbai News: An 85-year-old man in Mumbai was cheated of Rs 9 crore after cyber fraudsters placed him under a so-called “digital arrest”, police said on Wednesday. The victim, a retired engineering college professor and former head of department, has filed a complaint with the South Region Cyber Police Station.

Officials said the case came to light on Monday, following the victim’s complaint, PTI reported.

Callers Posed As Police And CBI Officers

The fraud began on November 28, when the man received a phone call from a person claiming to be an inspector from Panchvati Police Station in Nashik. The caller alleged that the victim’s Aadhaar number had been misused to open a bank account.

He further claimed that the account was linked to money laundering and illegal fund transfers to the banned organisation Popular Front of India. The caller warned that a criminal case was being registered and said a special team from the “CBI crime branch” was handling the investigation.

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‘Digital Arrest’ Claim Used To Threaten Victim

On December 1, the victim received a WhatsApp video call from another person dressed in a police uniform. During the call, he was told that an arrest warrant had been issued and that he had been placed under “digital arrest”.

The fraudsters instructed him to share full details of his bank accounts and investments. He was also warned not to inform anyone about the matter.

Money Transferred For ‘Verification’

The callers later asked the elderly man to transfer all his savings for “verification purposes”. They assured him that the money would be returned with interest once the inquiry was completed.

Fearing arrest, the victim transferred funds from his fixed deposits, mutual funds and share market investments to multiple bank accounts. Police said a total of Rs 9 crore was transferred between December 1 and December 22.

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Complaint Filed After Calls Stopped

When the calls suddenly stopped, the man tried contacting the supposed officers but received no response. He then realised that he had been cheated.

The victim contacted the national cybercrime helpline number 1930 and later approached the cyber police to lodge a formal complaint.

Police officials said an investigation is underway to identify the accused and trace the money.


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