Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 16: In a shocking case of cyber fraud, a 72-year-old businessman from Mumbai has been duped of a staggering Rs 58 crore in a ‘digital arrest’ scam orchestrated by conmen posing as officials of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), police said on Thursday.

The Rs 58 crore loss is believed to be one of the largest reported in a ‘digital arrest’ scam involving an individual. The Maharashtra Cyber Department, which is investigating the case, has arrested three persons in connection with the crime.

‘Digital arrest’ is an emerging form of cyber fraud where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officers or government officials and threaten victims through audio or video calls. The victims are held “virtually captive” and forced to transfer huge amounts of money under fear and intimidation.

According to officials, the accused contacted the businessman between August 19 and October 8, alleging that his name had surfaced in a money-laundering case. The conmen placed him and his wife under “digital arrest” through a video call and coerced him into depositing money in the accounts they specified.

Panicked by the threats, the victim transferred Rs 58 crore through RTGS to multiple bank accounts over nearly two months. After realising that he had been duped, he approached the cyber police and lodged a complaint.

During the probe, cyber officials traced the money trail to at least 18 bank accounts and moved swiftly to freeze the funds. Three suspects — identified as Abdul Khulli (47) of Malad, and brothers Arjun Kadvasara (55) and Jetharam (35) from Mumbai Central — were arrested.

A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. Police said further investigation is underway to trace the masterminds and recover the defrauded amount.