A 77-year-old resident of Ghatkopar, Mumbai, was defrauded of Rs 50 lakh by cybercriminals who posed as officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a sophisticated digital arrest scam. The incident was reported in an FIR registered at the East Region Cyber Police Station.
How the Scam Unfolded
The victim, a labour law advisor residing in Garodia Nagar, informed the police that between May 12 and 14, he received phone calls from individuals claiming to be senior ED officials from Delhi. The callers identified themselves as Vijay Khanna, Sandeep Yadav, and Rahul Gupta. According to the FIR, the fraudsters alleged that a bank account had been opened in Delhi using the victim's Aadhaar card and was being used for illegal financial transactions. They further claimed that the Supreme Court had issued orders for his arrest and the seizure of his assets.
Threats and Intimidation
The accused threatened the senior citizen with legal action and physical harm, while instructing him not to disclose the matter to anyone. The victim was forced to participate in WhatsApp video calls that simulated court proceedings and featured individuals impersonating ED officials. Fearing arrest and danger to his life, the victim withdrew a fixed deposit of Rs 50 lakh from his bank account and transferred the amount via RTGS on May 14 to a bank account provided by the accused.
Aftermath and Police Action
Realizing he had been deceived, the complainant approached the Pant Nagar police, where he learned he had fallen victim to a digital arrest scam. He subsequently lodged a complaint on the cybercrime helpline '1930' before the FIR was officially registered on May 15. The police are investigating the case and have urged citizens to remain vigilant against such scams.
