Ahmedabad: An elderly man in Gujarat allegedly lost ₹1.47 crore after cybercriminals posing as law enforcement and government officials kept him under pressure for 28 days in a “digital arrest” scam. The fraudsters allegedly used fake documents, forged notices and video calls resembling official proceedings to convince him that his identity documents and bank accounts were linked to serious financial crimes.
Fraudsters Posed as Officials
According to the complaint, the victim was contacted by callers who claimed to represent investigative and regulatory agencies. They allegedly accused him of being linked to money laundering and illegal transactions, using official-sounding language to make the threat appear credible.
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The victim was told that he was under “digital arrest” and instructed not to discuss the matter with family members, friends or anyone else while the so-called investigation continued. Investigators believe this tactic was used to isolate him and prevent him from verifying the claims through official channels.
For nearly four weeks, the accused allegedly maintained pressure through repeated calls, threats of arrest and warnings of severe legal consequences. The victim was then persuaded to transfer money to verify his financial records and prove his innocence.
Multiple Transfers Made Under Fear
Acting under fear and confusion, the elderly man allegedly transferred funds in multiple transactions, ultimately losing about ₹1.47 crore. Investigators are now examining transaction trails, bank accounts, mobile numbers and digital communication records connected to the case.
Authorities suspect that the money may have been routed through several mule accounts before being dispersed across different locations. Such routing is often used to make recovery difficult and obscure the trail leading to the main operators.
The case reflects a growing pattern in which fraudsters impersonate police, cybercrime units, telecom regulators, customs authorities or financial enforcement agencies. Victims are often falsely accused of crimes and pressured into paying money to avoid arrest, account freezing or legal action.
Experts Warn Against ‘Digital Arrest’ Threats
Cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said digital arrest frauds rely more on social engineering than technical hacking. He said criminals exploit fear, authority and psychological pressure to control victims’ decisions.
He emphasized that no legitimate law enforcement agency conducts investigations through video calls demanding money transfers, and no authority places citizens under “digital arrest”.
Citizens have been advised to disconnect such calls immediately, independently verify any claims through official channels and report suspicious communication to the cybercrime helpline 1930 or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
Investigators are continuing to trace the money trail and identify those involved. The case has again raised concern over digital arrest scams, particularly those targeting senior citizens by misusing public trust in law enforcement institutions.
