In a shocking case of cybercrime, a 57-year-old Bengaluru woman from Bengaluru, Karnataka, lost an astonishing Rs 31.83 crore to a sophisticated “digital arrest” scam. The elaborate fraud, which unfolded over six months, has raised serious concerns about the rising number of cybercrimes in India targeting educated and financially stable individuals through psychological manipulation and fake official identities.
How the fraud began
The deception started on September 15, 2024, when the victim received a call claiming to be from DHL Andheri. The caller informed her that a parcel booked under her name contained illegal items such as passports, credit cards, and MDMA. The woman was told that her identity had been misused in an ongoing criminal case. The shocking revelation left her bewildered. When she failed to respond adequately, the caller connected her to someone posing as an officer from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The psychological pressure and fake “digital arrest”
What followed was an extended period of psychological torment. The fraudsters, introducing themselves as senior CBI officials, manipulated the woman into believing that she was under investigation for serious crimes. They convinced her that she must cooperate to prove her innocence and avoid immediate arrest. Over Skype video calls, the scammers forced her into a “digital arrest” — a disturbing practice where victims are kept under constant digital surveillance.
They made her believe she was being monitored 24/7 by law enforcement authorities and warned her that her family was also under watch. The accused exploited her fears by saying that criminals were in contact with local police and monitoring her house. Concerned for her safety and her son’s wedding, she followed every instruction.
The six-month-long financial manipulation
The scammers asked her to create two Skype IDs and remain on continuous video conference. Individuals identifying themselves as Mohit Handa and Rahul Yadav monitored her daily activities for days at a stretch, claiming to collect evidence for her “case clearance.” Later, another imposter, calling himself Pradeep Singh, who pretended to be a senior CBI officer, took charge of the operation. He asked her to provide all her financial details for “verification with the Financial Intelligence Unit of the RBI.”
The criminals presented forged documents with the RBI’s logo and official-looking clearance letters. To make the fraud appear genuine, they sent fabricated emails with government insignia, further assuring her that all funds would be refunded once her name was cleared from the alleged criminal case.
#Bengaluru Woman Loses Rs 31.83 Crore/sbkinews.in
Under their influence and continuous psychological control, the woman made 187 separate bank transfers amounting to Rs 31.83 crore over six months. These transfers were described as “security deposits,” “processing fees,” and “clearance deeds.” On November 3, 2024, she transferred Rs 2 crore as a final “security amount.” Later, on December 1, she received a “clearance letter” purportedly from the CBI, claiming her name was cleared of all charges. The scammers even instructed her to resume her daily life normally after the incident.
The aftermath and investigation
Following this ordeal, the woman fell seriously ill due to mental and physical exhaustion. Upon confiding in a relative, she realized something was wrong and approached the Bengaluru police. A complaint was registered, and an investigation was launched into one of the largest “digital arrest” scams reported in Karnataka.
According to the cybercrime division, the fraudsters demonstrated a deep understanding of law enforcement procedures, psychological manipulation, and digital surveillance techniques. Preliminary investigations reveal that the gang operated from outside India, using encrypted apps, virtual phone numbers, and spoofed emails.
This case has become a major example of the growing “digital arrest” phenomenon spreading across India, where fraudsters impersonate government officials to extort money. Law enforcement agencies, including the CBI and the Ministry of Home Affairs, have issued multiple advisories warning citizens to remain alert about calls involving fake legal threats or money laundering allegations.
Expert opinion and preventive measures
Cybersecurity experts emphasize that fear-based social engineering is at the heart of such scams. Victims are usually educated individuals who panic when falsely accused of crimes. Once they fall into the trap, the scammers isolate them digitally, cutting off communication with relatives and real authorities.
Experts suggest the following preventive steps:
Verify all law enforcement communications through official channels.
Never share financial information or conduct money transfers under pressure.
Record calls and report suspicious activity immediately to the cybercrime helpline number 1930.
Avoid downloading software or setting up video calls with unknown individuals claiming to be government officers.
This Bengaluru case serves as a stark reminder of the dangerous evolution of digital scams. The sophistication and patience displayed by these cybercriminals highlight the urgent need for stronger awareness, stricter monitoring of fraudulent communication apps, and robust verification systems within banking networks.
The police continue to trace digital footprints and have contacted multiple banks involved in the fund transfers to freeze any remaining accounts linked to the scammers. While the investigation is ongoing, this incident underscores the emotional and financial devastation caused by cyber fraud in India’s tech-savvy but vulnerable digital landscape.
For more bold and shocking updates on similar incidents across India, check out our India News Today: 10 Must-Know Bold & Shocking Updates.
