The quiet village of Beedi in Karnataka’s Belagavi district is reeling after a tragic incident that underscores the growing menace of cybercrime in India. An elderly couple, Diego Nazareth (83) and his wife Flaviana (79), were found dead in their home on March 28, allegedly by suicide. Police believe they had been victims of a sustained cyber extortion racket for over 150 days.
The initial findings, based on a note left by Diego and a digital trail of financial transactions, suggest the couple had been targeted by fraudsters who posed as cybercrime officials. The fraudsters claimed Diego’s SIM card had been used for international criminal activity. To avoid arrest, they coerced him into making payments, police said.
“He was told there was a digital arrest warrant and he would face immediate legal consequences if he didn’t cooperate,” a senior officer said.
The couple’s bank records show payments to several online gambling platforms. Officers believe Diego may have felt shame and fear when fraudsters threatened him with legal action and accused him of sharing obscene images. In desperation, he even pledged gold to raise money for further payments.
Losses and Method of Operation
Investigators estimate the couple may have paid between ₹5 to ₹6 lakh, though the actual figure could be higher. The fraudsters used multiple layers of deceit — including impersonating a Mumbai cybercrime officer and a telecom official — to create panic and urgency.
“He kept pleading with them not to take legal action. It’s clear they psychologically manipulated him,” another officer said.
Police have seized a mobile phone, a knife, and the handwritten death note from the home. No family members were present at the time. The Nazareths had no children and had requested villagers to donate their bodies for medical research. However, due to the unnatural circumstances of their deaths, the donation was canceled.
Public Awareness Call: Don’t Fall Prey
Cybersecurity expert Swapnil Patnekar of Shreshtha, a cyber research agency, issued a strong warning.
“No law enforcement body ever conducts arrests via video calls. Anyone receiving such threats must stay calm and report immediately,” he said.
He urged citizens to use the national cybercrime helpline 1930 to report suspicious calls and messages.
Final Rites
The couple was laid to rest at a Christian cemetery in Beedi. They had spent their final years managing a cashew farm in the village after Diego’s retirement from government service.
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The incident is a chilling reminder of how cybercriminals exploit fear and isolation, especially among senior citizens. As India’s digital economy grows, so does the need for better awareness, especially around psychological manipulation and online frauds.