Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 22: In a shocking case of cyber fraud, 78-year-old retired banker Naresh Malhotra from South Delhi’s Gulmohar Park fell victim to a sophisticated “digital arrest” scam, losing Rs 23 crore over the course of a month.

The ordeal began in early August when Malhotra received a call from a woman claiming to be a senior official from a telecom company. She alleged that his mobile number was involved in illegal activities, sparking a series of threatening calls.

Over the following weeks, Malhotra was repeatedly contacted by fraudsters impersonating officials from the Mumbai Police, Enforcement Directorate (ED), and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). They warned him of supposed links between his bank accounts and terrorist groups, threatening severe legal consequences.

The scammers convinced Malhotra that he was under “digital arrest”—a false claim that he was being monitored remotely by the police. He was forced to participate in video calls every two hours and sign a confidentiality agreement. To reinforce their deception, they even sent him a fake bail order.

Malhotra faced additional threats of passport seizure and harm to his family, escalating his fear and compliance.

Between August 4 and September 4, the fraudsters executed 20 transactions, siphoning off Rs 23 crore from his three bank accounts. They also accessed his bank and investment details.

After discovering the fraud, Malhotra reported the matter to the police. On September 19, Delhi Police’s Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) Unit registered a First Information Report (FIR) and launched an investigation.

Authorities have frozen approximately Rs 2.3 crore of the transferred funds. Joint CP Rajneesh Gupta confirmed the case is ongoing and the perpetrators are being traced.