In a disturbing case of cyber fraud, scammers posing as law enforcement and investigation officials allegedly kept an 84-year-old retired treasury officer under “digital arrest” for 27 days and duped him of ₹84.50 lakh. The case has been registered at a cyber crime police station, and investigators have managed to freeze ₹27 lakh in four bank accounts as part of the ongoing probe.
The victim, Badruddin, a resident of Jankipuram Sector G, stated in his complaint that he received a WhatsApp video call on March 7. The caller introduced himself as a senior officer from a police headquarters and claimed that a money laundering case had been registered against him in Pune. The caller immediately threatened him with arrest, creating panic and fear.
The call was then transferred to another person who claimed to be an officer from the National Investigation Agency (NIA). He told the victim that a bank account had been opened in his name in Pune and was being used for money laundering activities. On this basis, the victim was told that he was being placed under “digital arrest” and would not be allowed to contact anyone until the investigation was complete.
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Forced transfers under continuous pressure
The scammers executed the fraud in a highly coordinated and convincing manner. They sent forged court arrest warrants via WhatsApp and repeatedly claimed that the victim was under surveillance. He was warned that if he informed anyone about the situation, he would be immediately arrested from his home.
Under intense psychological pressure, the elderly victim complied with all instructions. The fraudsters collected detailed information about his bank accounts and assured him that all the money would be returned after the verification process was completed. Trusting these claims, he transferred a total of ₹84.50 lakh in multiple transactions to four different bank accounts.
The so-called “digital arrest” lasted from March 7 to April 4, during which the victim remained isolated and under constant fear. The scammers maintained continuous contact and kept escalating their demands. Eventually, when the demands did not stop, the victim became suspicious. He disconnected the call and informed a relative, who then made him realize that he had fallen victim to a cyber fraud.
Victim realizes the fraud, ₹27 lakh frozen
When the victim attempted to contact the fraudsters again, all their phone numbers were found switched off. He then approached the cyber crime police station and lodged a formal complaint. During the investigation, it was found that the money had been transferred to multiple accounts, including those linked to a firm named “Jwelin Enterprises,” as well as accounts operated under the names Vishal Meghawat, Abhijit Bhowmik, and Farhan.
Cyber police acted swiftly and managed to freeze ₹27 lakh across four of these accounts. Efforts are ongoing to trace the remaining funds and identify all individuals involved in the fraud network.
Rising trend of ‘digital arrest’ fear scams
According to a cyber security expert, scams involving “digital arrest” are becoming increasingly common. Fraudsters impersonate officials from agencies like police or central investigation bodies, using fear tactics and fake documents to manipulate victims. Video calls and official-looking notices are used to build credibility, making it difficult for victims—especially elderly individuals—to distinguish between real and fake.
The case serves as a critical warning that no legitimate law enforcement or investigation agency conducts arrests or demands money through phone or video calls. Citizens are advised to remain cautious and report any such suspicious communication immediately to authorities or cyber helplines.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are working to dismantle the network behind the scam. Meanwhile, the victim hopes that his lifetime savings can be recovered, even as the case highlights the growing sophistication of cyber fraud targeting vulnerable individuals.
