In a shocking case that highlights the growing sophistication of cybercrime, an elderly couple in Delhi was held captive in their own home under a two-week-long 'digital arrest' orchestrated by fraudsters posing as law enforcement officials. The elaborate scam resulted in a colossal financial loss of Rs 14.85 crore for the victims.
The Anatomy of a Digital Kidnapping
The nightmare began on April 10 when the 72-year-old man, a retired government official, received a phone call. The caller claimed to be from the Mumbai Customs Department and informed him that a parcel addressed to him, containing illegal items, had been intercepted. The call was swiftly transferred to individuals pretending to be officers from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The fraudsters spun a terrifying web of lies. They accused the elderly man of being involved in a massive money laundering and drug trafficking racket. To add credibility, they conducted a video call, appearing in what looked like official uniforms and a setting designed to mimic a government office. They presented fabricated documents, including a fake Look Out Circular (LOC) and arrest warrants issued in his and his wife's name.
The couple, living in the upscale Panchsheel Park area, was then placed under 'digital arrest'. The scammers ordered them to remain visible on a video call at all times throughout the day, threatening immediate physical arrest by local police if they disconnected. This psychological imprisonment lasted for an agonizing 14 days.
The Systematic Financial Drain
While keeping the couple isolated and terrified, the fraudsters executed their financial plot. Under the guise of conducting a 'forensic audit' to prove their innocence, the victims were coerced into transferring their life savings. The scammers gained remote access to their computers and bank accounts.
The money was siphoned off in a series of transactions to various accounts. The retired official and his 69-year-old wife were forced to part with a staggering sum of Rs 14,85,72,500. The fraud only came to light when the couple's son, who lives separately, grew suspicious after being unable to contact his parents properly. Upon visiting them, he discovered the truth and immediately alerted the authorities.
Police Investigation and a Nationwide Menace
The Delhi Police's Cyber Crime Unit has registered a case and launched a comprehensive investigation. Preliminary findings suggest the operation was run by an international cybercrime syndicate, with the money trail leading to multiple accounts across India before being funneled out of the country.
This case is not isolated. Authorities have noted a dangerous rise in such 'digital arrest' scams, often targeting senior citizens. The modus operandi typically involves:
- Impersonation of police, CBI, NCB, or other government officials.
- Fabrication of serious charges to induce panic.
- Use of video calls and forged documents to create legitimacy.
- Psychological manipulation to enforce 'digital custody' and prevent victims from seeking help.
- Coercion for money transfers under the pretext of legal settlements or audits.
The Delhi Police have issued a strong advisory urging citizens, especially the elderly, to be vigilant. They emphasize that no law enforcement agency will ever demand money over the phone for clearing charges or conduct audits via video call. The public is advised to verify any such communication directly with the concerned department through official channels and to immediately report suspicious calls to the cybercrime helpline number 1930.
