A shocking case of cyber fraud has emerged from Belagavi, where an elderly businessman was allegedly duped of ₹15 crore by cybercriminals using a sophisticated “digital arrest” scam.
According to police reports, the fraudsters contacted the victim through a video call and falsely claimed that his bank account was linked to a money laundering case. They allegedly threatened him, saying his name had appeared in a fraud list and that he could face legal consequences if he did not cooperate.
Under pressure and fear, the businessman was instructed to transfer his funds to multiple bank accounts provided by the scammers. The fraudsters assured him that the money would be returned after the “investigation” was completed, gaining his trust over time.
Believing their claims, the victim transferred money in phases, eventually losing a staggering ₹15 crore. The incident reportedly began around March 18, when the businessman was virtually held under what is now being referred to as a “digital arrest.”
The fraud came to light when the scammers suddenly became unreachable, raising suspicion. The victim then approached the Cyber, Economic and Narcotics (CEN) police station in Belagavi and filed a complaint.
Following the complaint, CEN police acted swiftly and managed to freeze bank accounts linked to the fraudsters. So far, accounts holding approximately ₹90 lakh have been frozen as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police officials have also formed a special team to track down and arrest the accused. Efforts are underway to trace the remaining funds and identify the individuals behind the scam.
Authorities have urged the public not to panic if they receive such threatening calls. Officials emphasized that no legitimate agency conducts investigations via video calls or asks individuals to transfer money for verification purposes.
This case highlights the growing threat of cyber fraud and the need for increased awareness. Citizens are advised to remain cautious, verify any such claims independently, and report suspicious activity immediately to law enforcement agencies.
