Cyber fraudsters threaten elderly man with digital arrest, rob ₹17.9 lakh

Posing as enforcement officials, cyber fraudsters allegedly misused the Aadhaar credentials of an elderly man, threatened him with digital arrest, and robbed ₹17.9 lakh of his savings account on Friday.

The victim, a resident of Cox Town, lodged a complaint.

The victim said in his complaint that he had received a call from a man identified as Vishal Rohit, claiming to be an official with the enforcement agency. His associates, claiming to be sub-inspectors of the Colaba police station, Mumbai, said that his credentials have been used in money laundering linked to PFI.

The callers threatened him that he was under digital arrest for many hours, showing the FIR copy on video call and shared documents claiming his involvement.

“I was threatened to transfer all my money from my bank account till the probe was over. I was told that all the money will be kept until the investigation is over and will be returned after the NOC is issued,” the complainant said.

The fraud came to light when the accused switched off their phones, and there was no response despite repeated calls.