Ahmedabad. A 72-year-old man from Surat was allegedly cheated of nearly ₹1.47 crore in a “digital arrest” cyber fraud after criminals posing as Mumbai Cyber Crime and CBI officers kept him under fear and video surveillance for almost 28 days. Police said the case reflects a growing pattern of scams built around intimidation, isolation and psychological pressure.
Fake CBI Probe Used to Threaten Victim
According to the complaint, the fraud began with a phone call from persons claiming to be officers from Mumbai Cyber Crime and the CBI. The victim was allegedly told that a SIM card linked to his Aadhaar number had been used in money laundering and anti-national activities.
Registration Begins for FutureCrime Summit 2026, India’s Largest Cybercrime Conference
The callers further claimed that the case was connected to an alleged financial crime network involving former businessman Naresh Goyal. They allegedly warned the victim that central agencies were conducting a high-level investigation and threatened him with arrest if he failed to cooperate.
Victim Kept Under Video Surveillance
Soon after, the accused allegedly instructed the elderly man to remain under what they described as “digital arrest.” He was told not to contact anyone, not to leave his home and not to disconnect ongoing video calls until the supposed investigation was completed.
Police said the victim remained under continuous virtual monitoring for nearly 28 days. To make the operation appear genuine, the fraudsters allegedly used forged notices, fabricated letters and fake documents carrying the names of Mumbai Police and Crime Branch officials. During video calls, they reportedly used fake police station backgrounds, uniforms and government logos.
Money Moved Through Bank Accounts
The victim was allegedly told that his bank accounts, investments and financial portfolios required “RBI verification” to avoid arrest and clear his name. Acting under fear and stress, he transferred money in multiple stages to accounts provided by the accused. Nearly ₹1.47 crore was allegedly siphoned off.
The fraud came to light after the victim became suspicious when the so-called investigation continued despite repeated transfers. He later approached cyber crime authorities and filed a complaint.
During the probe, Surat Cyber Crime Cell tracked banking transactions, digital records and location data, leading to the arrest of 37-year-old Urjit Kavi from Ahmedabad’s Gota area. Investigators said transactions worth nearly ₹2.84 crore had reportedly passed through his ICICI Bank account, while around ₹39 lakh from the victim’s defrauded amount was traced directly to the account.
Police are searching for other suspects believed to be part of the interstate cyber racket. A woman who allegedly posed as a CBI officer is also under investigation, along with suspects identified as Satish Nikam and Akash Kulhari. Authorities have urged citizens not to panic over threatening calls, not to transfer money under pressure and to report suspicious calls to the national cyber helpline 1930.
