The accused allegedly impersonated a CID officer, threatened a businessman with arrest over purported links to Pulwama attackers and pressured him to transfer money during a fake investigation.
Mumbai Cyber Police have arrested a father-son duo in connection with an alleged ₹26 lakh cyber fraud in which a 55-year-old businessman was threatened with arrest over claims that his Aadhaar details had been linked to transactions involving suspected Pulwama attackers.
The accused allegedly posed as law enforcement officials and convinced the complainant that he was under investigation for a serious offence. The case highlights how cybercriminals exploit fear of arrest, national security concerns and the authority of investigative agencies to extort money from unsuspecting victims.
Fake CID Officer Used Terror Links to Threaten Victim
According to the complaint, the businessman received a phone call on August 27 from a person claiming to be a CID official. The caller allegedly told him that individuals involved in the Pulwama attack had used people’s Aadhaar cards in connection with a multi-crore financial scam.
The fraudster claimed that transactions worth ₹7 crore had taken place through a bank account linked to the complainant’s Aadhaar number. The businessman denied the allegations but was allegedly warned that he could face criminal charges and arrest.
The threats reportedly created pressure on the victim to cooperate with what he believed was an official investigation.
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Fake Video Inquiry Led to ₹26 Lakh Transfer
The accused allegedly conducted an inquiry through a video call and asked the businessman to disclose details about his assets, bank accounts and gold holdings.
During the purported investigation, the victim was allegedly instructed to melt his gold and transfer the resulting money to a bank account specified by the caller. The fraudsters reportedly assured him that the funds would be returned once the inquiry was completed.
The businessman said he had mortgaged his gold and managed to arrange ₹26 lakh, which he transferred as instructed. However, the promised refund never arrived, and the alleged fraudsters stopped communicating with him.
The incident demonstrates how scammers can use fabricated criminal allegations and staged investigative procedures to manipulate victims into making substantial financial transfers.
How Digital Arrest Scams Exploit Fear
In digital arrest scams, fraudsters impersonate police officers, officials from investigative agencies or other government authorities. They may use fake identification, video calls, fabricated documents and allegations involving serious crimes to convince victims that they are facing immediate legal consequences.
Victims are often pressured to remain on calls, disclose financial information or transfer money under the pretext of verification, investigation or security clearance.
Law enforcement agencies do not conduct legitimate arrests through video calls or require individuals to transfer money to prove their innocence. Requests to move funds as part of a supposed investigation should be treated as a major warning sign.
What This Means For You
If someone claims your Aadhaar or bank account is linked to terrorism, money laundering or criminal activity, do not panic or transfer funds. End the call, independently contact the relevant agency through its official channels and report suspected cyber fraud immediately.
The420 Insight
This alleged ₹26 lakh fraud illustrates how digital arrest scams weaponise fear, authority and national security narratives. Public awareness, independent verification of official claims and prompt reporting remain essential to disrupting these schemes. Anyone targeted should preserve call records, messages, bank transaction details and other evidence for investigators.
About the Author – Ananya Aradhya writes on cybercrime, fraud, scams, cybersecurity, digital safety, and emerging threats. Her work also covers major criminal cases, financial frauds, consumer scams, and stories that highlight risks affecting people in the real and digital world.
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