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A 71-year-old Pune resident was allegedly cheated of ₹22 lakh by a fraudster posing as a CBI officer and threatening digital arrest.
How Did the Fraudster Approach the Victim?
According to police, the fraud occurred between October 5 and 15. The unidentified accused contacted the elderly man and allegedly introduced himself as a senior police officer from Karnataka and an officer of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The impersonator reportedly gained the victim’s confidence by claiming to hold official authority. He then alleged that the man’s SIM card had been misused for child trafficking, creating fear of possible legal action.
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How Was the Victim Persuaded to Transfer Money?
The accused allegedly told the complainant that he needed to deposit money as security while his details underwent what was described as digital verification.
Police said the fraudster threatened the elderly man with a so-called digital arrest and persuaded him to transfer ₹22 lakh into bank accounts provided by the accused. The complainant subsequently approached police after realising he had allegedly been cheated.
What Action Have Police Taken?
Following a complaint filed on Wednesday, Vishrantwadi police registered a case against the unidentified accused under Sections 319(2) and 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, dealing with cheating by impersonation and cheating, respectively.
Relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act have also been invoked. Police confirmed on Thursday, November 12, that no arrest had been made in connection with the case.
What Is a Digital Arrest Scam?
Digital arrest fraud involves criminals impersonating police officers or other law enforcement officials to intimidate individuals through telephone or video calls. Victims are often accused of involvement in serious criminal activities and pressured into transferring money.
Police and government authorities have repeatedly clarified that digital arrest has no legal basis. The Pune case highlights how criminals allegedly misuse the names of investigative agencies and fabricated criminal allegations to obtain money from unsuspecting individuals.
