In a shocking case of sophisticated cyber fraud, a woman from Mumbai was cheated out of a staggering Rs 3.71 crore after being subjected to a 'digital arrest' by conmen. One person has been arrested in Gujarat in connection with the elaborate scam, which involved the accused impersonating a high-ranking police official and even using the name of a Supreme Court judge.
The Elaborate Digital Kidnapping
The ordeal began on August 18, when the victim received a phone call from a person claiming to be an officer speaking from the Colaba police station in Mumbai. The caller alleged that the woman's bank account was linked to a major money laundering case. To add credibility to the threat, the fraudster posed as a senior police official.
The scam took a more sinister turn when the perpetrators introduced a fake 'Justice Chandrachud' into the narrative. By using the name of the esteemed Supreme Court judge, the cyber criminals aimed to instill fear and ensure absolute compliance from their terrified victim. The woman was effectively placed under 'digital arrest,' confined to her home and forced to remain on video call with the accused for extended periods, while being instructed not to communicate with anyone else.
How The Massive Sum Was Extorted
Under this intense psychological pressure and the fear of legal action, the victim was coerced into transferring her life savings. The fraudsters systematically siphoned off funds amounting to Rs 3.71 crore. The entire scheme relied on creating an atmosphere of such panic and authority that the victim felt she had no option but to follow the orders of the impersonators.
Following the massive financial loss, the victim approached the police, leading to an investigation that spanned multiple states. The cyber cell teams traced financial trails and digital footprints, which eventually led them to Gujarat.
Arrest and Ongoing Investigation
Based on the evidence gathered, the police have arrested one individual from Gujarat in connection with this high-value cyber crime. The arrest is seen as a significant breakthrough, but investigators believe more members of the organized syndicate are involved. The probe is ongoing to identify and apprehend the other accomplices and to trace the siphoned money.
This case highlights the alarming evolution of cyber crimes in India, where fraudsters are now using sophisticated social engineering tactics, including impersonation of top judicial and police figures, to execute 'digital arrest' scams. Authorities urge citizens to be extremely cautious of unsolicited calls alleging legal trouble and to verify directly with their local police station before acting on any such demands for money.
