Mumbai, Aug. 3: A 75-year-old resident of Mumbai was allegedly duped of ₹1.64 crore in a sophisticated “digital arrest” scam after fraudsters posing as officers of the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) convinced him that he was under investigation in a fabricated criminal case.
According to police, the accused contacted the elderly man through phone and video calls, falsely claiming that his identity had been linked to illegal activities. The victim was allegedly threatened with arrest and instructed not to disclose the matter to anyone, creating an atmosphere of fear and isolation.
Investigators said the fraudsters persuaded the man to transfer ₹1.64 crore to multiple bank accounts under the pretext of verification and securing clearance from the alleged investigation.In a dramatic turn of events, cyber crime officials reached the victim’s residence after detecting suspicious financial transactions.
However, the victim initially believed the officers were impostors and reportedly sought guidance from the fraudsters, who advised him not to cooperate with the police.The cyber police eventually convinced the victim that he had fallen prey to an elaborate cyber fraud, preventing any further financial loss.
A case has been registered, and an investigation is underway to identify and apprehend those involved.Police have urged citizens to remain vigilant, reiterating that no law enforcement agency places individuals under “digital arrest” or demands money transfers as part of any investigation.