Cyber crime: Mumbai businessman loses a staggering Rs 58 crore in digital arrest scam by fake ED, CBI officials
According to Maharashtra Cyber Department, which is investigating the case, this could be one of the largest individual losses ever reported in a 'digital arrest' cyber fraud
PTC Web Desk: A 72-year-old businessman from Mumbai has allegedly fallen victim to a massive 'digital arrest' scam, losing a staggering Rs 58 crore to cyber fraudsters posing as officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), police said on Thursday.
According to the Maharashtra Cyber Department, which is investigating the case, this could be one of the largest individual losses ever reported in a 'digital arrest' cyber fraud. Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime.
‘Digital arrest’ scams are a rising form of cybercrime where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement or government officers and intimidate victims through audio or video calls. The culprits often make the victims believe they are under investigation or arrest, coercing them into transferring money to avoid legal trouble.
In this case, the scammers contacted the Mumbai-based businessman between August 19 and October 8, falsely claiming that his name had surfaced in a money-laundering case. They then placed him and his wife under what they termed a “digital arrest” via a video call, instructing them not to contact anyone else.
Fearing repercussions, the businessman followed their directions and transferred Rs 58 crore through RTGS into several bank accounts provided by the fraudsters over a span of two months. It was only later that he realised he had been duped and approached the cyber police to file a complaint.
Investigators traced the financial trail and discovered that the defrauded amount had been distributed across at least 18 different bank accounts. Authorities have since moved quickly to freeze these accounts to prevent further withdrawals.
The Maharashtra Cyber Department has arrested three individuals linked to the scam — Abdul Khulli (47) from Malad, Arjun Kadvasara (55), and his brother Jetharam (35), both from Mumbai Central.
A case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act, and further investigation is underway to trace other members of the fraud network.