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A 69-year-old Mumbai resident allegedly lost ₹15 lakh after cybercriminals impersonating Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers and threatened him with arrest over fabricated terrorism and money-laundering allegations. The fraud continued for several weeks before the victim discovered the deception.
How Did the Fraud Begin?
The victim, who divides his time between Mulund and Guhagar in Ratnagiri district, received a WhatsApp call on September 27.
The caller identified himself as Sandeep Diwan, claiming to be a CBI officer posted in Bengaluru. The conversation continued until October 14, during which the fraudsters allegedly used threats and fabricated criminal allegations to pressure the elderly man into cooperating.
What Allegations Were Made?
The callers claimed that the victim and his son were connected to money laundering and terrorism.
They alleged that a person named Sadakat Khan had opened a bank account using the victim’s identity and conducted 155 transactions involving ₹3 crore.
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The fraudsters further claimed that the pensioner had received a ₹30 lakh commission and that one of 187 ATM cards allegedly recovered from Khan was registered in his name.
How Was Digital Arrest Imposed?
The accused presented the allegations as a national security investigation and sent the victim a fabricated police complaint bearing his name.
They claimed he was under digital arrest and instructed him not to discuss the matter with anyone, particularly his son. The restrictions were intended to isolate the victim and prevent him from verifying the claims with family members or authorities.
How Was ₹15 Lakh Taken?
On October 14, the fraudsters allegedly forced the elderly man to transfer ₹15 lakh into a specified Yes Bank account. After receiving the money, they demanded another ₹10 lakh.
The additional demand prompted the victim to consult his son, who helped him recognise that the supposed investigation was fraudulent. The victim subsequently approached the authorities.
What Action Have Police Taken?
The victim lodged a formal complaint on November 2, following which Mumbai’s East Cyber Police registered a case against unidentified individuals.
The accused face allegations of impersonation, cheating and fraud. Investigators have contacted the relevant financial institution to obtain details of the account that received the money.
What Is the Investigation Status?
Police have instructed the banks concerned to freeze accounts associated with the fraudulent transactions.
Investigators are attempting to trace the origin of the calls, identify the account holders and establish the identities of those responsible. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities examining the financial trail and communications used in the alleged digital arrest fraud.
