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A 78-year-old retired Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) officer has allegedly lost ₹1.29 crore after cybercriminals impersonated Mumbai Police Crime Branch officials and threatened to implicate him in a money-laundering case.
The fraudsters used false allegations involving his mobile number and bank account to pressure him into transferring money for supposed verification.
The victim, a resident of Anandnagar on Sinhagad Road, filed a police complaint on Thursday. The fraud allegedly took place between September 30 and October 12.
How Did the Fraudsters Contact the Victim?
According to Pune Cyber Police Inspector Amol Dhas, the victim received a call from someone claiming to be an officer of the Mumbai Police Crime Branch.
The caller alleged that the retired officer’s mobile number was being used by another person in Mumbai to circulate obscene photographs and videos.
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The fraudster further claimed that a criminal case had been registered in connection with these activities.
How Was the Money Laundering Threat Used?
The callers subsequently alleged that the victim’s bank account was linked to a high-profile money-laundering case involving the former owner of a private airline company.
To strengthen their claims, they told the victim that investigators had seized 247 ATM cards during the investigation, including one allegedly bearing his name. These claims were part of the fraudsters’ attempt to convince the retired officer that he was facing serious criminal allegations.
How Did the Fake Investigation Continue?
According to the FIR, the initial caller connected the victim to another person who instructed him to open an online portal and cooperate with the supposed investigation.
The fraudsters alleged that a public-sector bank account held in his name had been compromised and linked to a money-laundering racket. They then instructed him to transfer his funds into designated bank accounts for verification.
How Was ₹1.29 Crore Transferred?
Fearing legal action and believing the allegations, the retired officer followed the instructions provided by the callers.
Over approximately two weeks, he transferred ₹1.29 crore into bank accounts specified by the fraudsters. The money was allegedly obtained through repeated intimidation and false claims of police authority.
What Action Have Police Taken?
The victim subsequently approached the police and lodged a formal complaint regarding the fraudulent transfers. The case involves allegations of police impersonation, financial deception and threats of criminal prosecution.
The420 Insight
Cybercriminals often impersonate police officers and use fabricated criminal allegations to frighten victims into transferring money. Never transfer funds for supposed police verification. Verify suspicious calls independently and report suspected financial fraud immediately through 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.
