Follow us on Google News
A 76-year-old retired man from Alwal, Telangana, allegedly lost ₹87.73 lakh after cybercriminals impersonating CBI and Cyberabad Crime Branch officials placed him under a fake digital arrest. The fraudsters used fabricated money-laundering allegations and continuous video surveillance to force him into transferring money.
How Did the Fraud Begin?
According to a complaint registered with Malkajgiri Cybercrime Police, the victim received a telephone call from a person claiming to be an official of the Cyberabad Crime Branch. The caller alleged that someone had opened a Canara Bank account in Mumbai using the pensioner’s Aadhaar details. He further claimed that the account was connected to a ₹538-crore money-laundering investigation.
The allegations were used to frighten the victim and convince him that he was facing serious criminal proceedings.
How Did Fraudsters Impersonate CBI Officials?
Another caller subsequently contacted the pensioner, introducing himself as a Central Bureau of Investigation official. He claimed that the suspicious bank account was linked to an investigation involving the founder of a prominent airline.
https://the420.in/fcrf-certified-chief-ai-officer-second-cohort-november-2026/
The accused alleged that several ATM cards and bank accounts had been created using the victim’s identity and were being used for illegal financial transactions. To strengthen the deception, they arranged a video call involving other individuals posing as CBI officers and a judge.
How Was the Digital Arrest Imposed?
The fraudsters initially instructed the pensioner to appear at the CBI headquarters in Mumbai. However, they later claimed that the proceedings could be conducted through video conferencing because of his age.
They sent him a document through WhatsApp, falsely presenting it as an order issued by the Supreme Court. The accused instructed him to prepare an affidavit declaring his innocence and provide personal financial information.
Why Was the Victim Kept Under Surveillance?
The pensioner was allegedly subjected to round-the-clock video surveillance and instructed to remain inside his home. The accused warned him against meeting anyone, switching off his mobile phone or discussing the investigation with family members.
They presented these restrictions as necessary for national security, preventing him from seeking independent advice. The prolonged pressure was intended to maintain control over the victim while the accused demanded money.
How Was ₹87.73 Lakh Transferred?
The fraudsters obtained the pensioner’s bank details and supplied beneficiary account numbers and IFSC codes for RTGS transfers.
Under sustained pressure, he transferred ₹87,73,900 through 15 transactions. Of this amount, ₹50.12 lakh came from his Canara Bank account, ₹13.56 lakh from his HDFC Bank account and ₹24.05 lakh from his wife’s Canara Bank account.
What Action Have Police Taken?
The pensioner eventually discussed the incident with his family and realised he had been cheated.
He contacted the cybercrime helpline, following which Malkajgiri Cybercrime Police registered a case. Investigators are examining the transferred funds, beneficiary accounts and identities of those who allegedly impersonated investigating and judicial officials.
