In one of the most staggering cybercrime cases yet, a 72-year-old businessman from Mumbai was defrauded of ₹58 crore by scammers who impersonated officials of the ED and CBI, coercing him into transferring funds under the guise of an investigation.
According to the Maharashtra Cyber Department, which is leading the probe, this is the largest known loss by an individual in a digital arrest scam in India.
The fraudsters contacted the businessman between August 19 and October 8, claiming his name appeared in a money laundering case. Using video calls and doctored official documents, they created a believable illusion of authority — and fear.
“They effectively placed him and his wife under digital arrest, threatening legal action unless payments were made,” said an investigating officer.
The Anatomy of a Digital Arrest
A “digital arrest” scam operates by trapping victims psychologically rather than physically. Fraudsters impersonate law enforcement and use video calls to simulate interrogation or detention. Victims are told not to leave their homes, speak to anyone, or disconnect calls.
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Over nearly two months, the Mumbai businessman transferred ₹58 crore via RTGS into 18 different bank accounts, fearing arrest. The fraudsters constantly monitored him and his wife on live video calls, maintaining the illusion of surveillance.
When the victim finally suspected foul play, he approached the Maharashtra Cyber Police, who registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Information Technology Act.
Arrests and the Financial Trail
Investigators have so far arrested three suspects: Abdul Khulli (47) from Malad, and brothers Arjun Kadvasara (55) and Jetharam Kadvasara (35) from Mumbai Central.
“The money was routed through at least 18 bank accounts,” officials said. “We’ve frozen multiple accounts and are tracing the funds, which may have been diverted abroad.”
The cyber department’s forensic audit has also linked the trio to previous cases involving fake law enforcement impersonations and money-laundering fronts.
A Widening Pattern of High-Value Scams
Cyber experts warn that “digital arrest” scams have become the most psychologically invasive form of cybercrime, combining AI-based deepfake calls, spoofed caller IDs, and fabricated official summonses.
“The crime weapon here isn’t technology — it’s fear,” said a senior officer from Maharashtra Cyber. “Scammers exploit trust in government authority to extort money from educated and affluent victims.”
Authorities urge citizens to verify such communications and report immediately through the national cyber helpline 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.