A 69-year-old Mumbai resident has allegedly lost ₹15 lakh after cybercriminals impersonating Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers threatened him with arrest over fabricated terrorism and money-laundering allegations. The fraud reportedly continued for several weeks, with the callers using claims of a serious criminal investigation to pressure the pensioner into transferring money.
According to the supplied report by The420, the incident involved impersonation, forged police documents and a so-called digital arrest, a form of cyber fraud in which criminals falsely claim that a person is under investigation or cannot leave a monitored communication channel.
How Did the Alleged Fraud Begin?
The victim, who divides his time between Mulund in Mumbai and Guhagar in Ratnagiri district, reportedly received a WhatsApp call on September 27.
The caller introduced himself as Sandeep Diwan and claimed to be a CBI officer posted in Bengaluru. Communication between the caller and the victim allegedly continued until October 14.
During this period, the fraudsters reportedly presented themselves as law enforcement officials and used claims of criminal involvement to create fear and pressure. Their alleged objective was to make the victim believe that he was facing serious legal consequences and needed to follow their instructions.
Fraudsters Allegedly Invented Terrorism and Money-Laundering Links
The callers reportedly claimed that both the victim and his son were connected to money laundering and terrorism-related activities.
They allegedly told the pensioner that a person named Sadakat Khan had opened a bank account using his identity. According to the fabricated claims communicated to the victim, the account had been involved in 155 transactions worth approximately ₹3 crore.
The fraudsters further alleged that the victim had received a commission of ₹30 lakh and that one of 187 ATM cards supposedly recovered from Khan was registered in his name.
These claims were reportedly used to make the situation appear like a major criminal investigation. However, the allegations communicated by the callers were part of the suspected deception, not established findings by law enforcement authorities.
Fake Digital Arrest Used to Isolate the Victim
The alleged fraudsters reportedly sent the victim a fabricated police complaint bearing his name and presented the matter as a national security investigation.
They then claimed that he was under digital arrest and instructed him not to discuss the matter with anyone, particularly his son.
This attempt to restrict communication was significant because it prevented the victim from independently checking the claims with family members or legitimate authorities.
A so-called digital arrest is not a recognised legal procedure that allows someone to be detained through a WhatsApp or video call. Claims of remote arrest, demands for secrecy and instructions to transfer money to prove innocence should be treated as serious warning signs.
₹15 Lakh Transferred to a Yes Bank Account
On October 14, the fraudsters allegedly pressured the elderly man into transferring ₹15 lakh to a specified Yes Bank account.
After receiving the money, they reportedly demanded an additional ₹10 lakh.
The second demand prompted the victim to speak with his son. Following their discussion, he realised that the supposed investigation was fraudulent and approached the authorities.
The incident demonstrates how impersonation and threats can be combined with financial demands to deceive victims into transferring substantial sums.
Mumbai Cyber Police Register Case
The victim lodged a formal complaint on November 2, following which Mumbai's East Cyber Police registered a case against unidentified individuals.
Police are investigating allegations involving impersonation, cheating and financial fraud. Investigators have reportedly contacted the relevant financial institution to obtain details of the account that received the money.
Authorities have also instructed banks concerned to freeze accounts associated with the suspected fraudulent transactions.
Investigators Trace the Financial and Communication Trail
The investigation is focused on identifying the people behind the calls, tracing the recipient account and establishing the movement of the transferred funds.
Investigators are also examining communications used to convince the victim that he was facing a criminal investigation.
The supplied report does not confirm whether any suspects have been arrested or how much of the transferred amount has been recovered. The case remains under investigation.
For businesses and individuals dealing with suspicious financial transactions, Shunyatax's financial investigation services represent a relevant professional service area for examining financial irregularities and compliance concerns.
How People Can Protect Themselves from Digital Arrest Scams
The incident highlights several precautions that can help people recognise impersonation-based fraud:
Do not trust callers solely because they claim to represent the CBI, police or another government agency.
Do not transfer money in response to threats of arrest or demands to prove innocence.
Verify the identity of officials through independently obtained official contact details.
Discuss suspicious calls with trusted family members instead of following instructions to remain isolated.
Preserve relevant messages, call details and transaction records when reporting suspected fraud.
Report suspected cyber financial fraud promptly through helpline 1930 or the official portal cybercrime.gov.in.
The Mumbai case reinforces the importance of verifying official claims before taking financial action. Criminals may use fear, urgency and fabricated legal documents to make ordinary citizens believe they are dealing with legitimate authorities. Independent verification and prompt reporting remain important safeguards against such schemes.