In a shocking incident that underscores the evolving tactics of cybercriminals, an 86-year-old woman from Mumbai was defrauded of ₹20 crore over a two-month period. The perpetrators, posing as Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials, subjected her to a ‘digital arrest,’ coercing her into transferring her life’s savings under the guise of a money laundering investigation.
The Orchestrated Deception
The ordeal began when the victim received a call from an individual identifying himself as Sandip Rao, purportedly from the CBI. He alleged that a bank account had been illicitly opened in her name and was being used for money laundering activities, including transactions linked to prominent figures like Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal. To lend credibility to their claims, the fraudsters conducted fake online court proceedings and issued threats of arrest, not only targeting her but also extending to her family members.
Isolation and Psychological Manipulation
Throughout the scam, the victim was instructed to remain confined to her home, with the fraudsters monitoring her movements and calls. Using high-pressure tactics, they convinced her that the only way to avoid legal trouble was to cooperate fully and transfer her money for “investigation purposes.” Fearful of consequences, she followed their instructions and gradually transferred ₹20 crore in multiple transactions.
The fraudsters even manipulated her into believing that discussing the matter with anyone—including her family or police—could result in immediate legal consequences. This extreme form of psychological control, often referred to as “digital arrest,” left the elderly woman in a state of helplessness.
Discovery and Police Investigation
The scam came to light when the woman’s family grew suspicious of her behavior and financial transactions. Upon investigating, they discovered the massive fraud and immediately alerted the Mumbai Police. A complaint was registered at the Gamdevi police station, and a cybercrime team has been assigned to track the fraudsters.
Authorities Warn Against Digital Fraud
Mumbai Police have urged citizens, especially elderly individuals, to remain vigilant against such scams. They emphasized that no government agency, including the CBI, would demand financial transactions over the phone. Cybercrime experts have advised people to verify any suspicious calls and immediately report them to the authorities.
As digital fraud cases rise, law enforcement agencies are working to trace the money trail and identify the culprits behind this high-profile cybercrime. Meanwhile, the victim’s family hopes that swift action will lead to justice and prevent similar incidents in the future.
