In a sensational Cybercrime incident, a 72-year-old retired engineer from Rohini lost over ₹10 crore after being held digitally captive for eight hours. The police have recovered ₹60 lakh and are currently probing the case.
BY Navin Upadhyay
New Delhi
In the first week of October, the phone rang—a shrill intrusion into the quiet evening of Mr. X, a retired engineer residing in Delhi’s Rohini Sector 10. At 72, his life had settled into a comfortable routine, filled with park walks and peaceful evenings with his wife. But this call shattered that peace.
A stern voice, claiming to be from the Mumbai Police, accused Mr. X of a shocking crime—a package from Taiwan containing drugs, addressed to him, had been intercepted at the airport.
Panic surged. Drugs? Him? The voice assured him that officials from the Mumbai Crime Branch would contact him shortly.
Soon, a video call arrived, showing a man in a convincing police uniform. Under the harsh glare of the screen, Mr. X was bombarded with accusations and shown official-looking documents. Fear, cold and sharp, gripped him. The “officer” informed him of a “digital arrest”—a fabricated legal concept designed to exploit his vulnerability.
For eight agonizing hours, Mr. X was held captive on the call. The scammer, playing on his fears, threatened to implicate even his children—a son in Dubai and a daughter in Singapore. Exhausted and terrified, Mr. X succumbed, transferring a staggering ₹10.3 crore into accounts dictated by the voice on the screen.
Only after the call ended did the fog of fear clear. Shame and disbelief washed over him. He confided in his family, who immediately contacted the police. Following his complaint, an FIR was filed by the Delhi Police Cyber Cell, and the case was transferred to the Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) wing for further investigation.
Police managed to freeze ₹60 lakh, as the money had been further distributed across multiple bank accounts.
Mr. X’s case is just one among many plaguing India. Digital arrest scams, a sophisticated web of deceit, prey on unsuspecting citizens, particularly the elderly.
Take the case of an 80-year-old retired marine engineer from Bandra West, Mumbai, who fell victim to a similar cyber fraud, losing ₹1.2 crore. The incident unfolded on September 30 when the victim, a resident of Mount Mary, received a call from an individual posing as a Bengaluru police officer.
The caller accused the elderly man of involvement in a money-laundering scheme, threatening dire legal consequences. To add credibility, the scammers initiated a brief video call, displaying a police uniform before quickly disconnecting.
To isolate the victim, the scammers imposed a “digital arrest,” confining him to a room. Under duress, the victim was coerced into writing a note promising silence, fearing damage to his reputation.
The scam escalated on October 3 with fabricated legal documents: a fake First Information Report, a forged Supreme Court notice, and even a letter from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). These documents instilled fear and compliance, making the victim believe his Aadhaar card and passport were under scrutiny, restricting his freedom of movement.
In another recent case, Vardhman Group chairman SP Oswal became a victim of ₹7 crore digital extortion. Scammers impersonated the Chief Justice of India, conducting a fake online court session via Skype. They kept him under video surveillance for two days, manipulating him into transferring funds.
Understanding “Digital Arrest” Scams
A “digital arrest” is a type of cyber scam where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement or government officials, leveraging technology to create a fabricated legal scenario. These scams typically involve:
- Accusations of Serious Crimes: Victims are accused of crimes like money laundering or drug trafficking.
- Use of Technology: Fraudsters employ video calls, emails, and phone calls to display fake documents, arrest warrants, or deepfake videos to seem legitimate.
- Psychological Pressure: Victims are threatened with immediate arrest, legal action, or public exposure. Scammers demand money to resolve the issue.
- Isolation: Victims are often kept on video calls for hours or confined to specific locations, cutting them off from outside help.
- Monetary Extortion: The ultimate goal is to extract money via direct transfers or other financial means.
Recent Cases in India
- Delhi Retired Engineer: A 72-year-old lost ₹10 crore under the threat of harm to his family. Police froze ₹60 lakh and are pursuing leads.
- Mumbai Marine Engineer: An 80-year-old was scammed out of ₹1.2 crore, accused of money laundering.
- Hyderabad Tech Professional (October 2024): A techie in Hyderabad was falsely accused of money laundering tied to his Aadhaar card. Cybercriminals kept him confined in a lodge for 30 hours before his call disconnected, enabling him to seek help.
- Vardhman Group Chairman: SP Oswal lost ₹7 crore during a two-day ordeal involving a fake online court session.
- Fake Narcotics Case: Scammers used falsified evidence to accuse a victim of narcotics smuggling. The extent of financial losses remains undisclosed.
- Nationwide Syndicate: A ₹159-crore scam linked to shell companies and cryptocurrency laundering is under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate.
Protecting Yourself from Digital Arrest Scams
- Be Skeptical: Never share personal information or emails with unsolicited callers.
- Verify Claims: Cross-check information with official sources.
- Avoid Panic: Stay calm and reason.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Contact local authorities immediately.
- Stay Updated: Educate yourself about the latest cyber threats.
As law enforcement agencies crack down on these digital mafias, public awareness remains the strongest defense. Stay vigilant, and don’t let fear override reason.
