‘Digital Arrest’: Retired Bank Officer in Pune Duped of Rs 1.17 Crore by Cyber Fraudsters Impersonating Mumbai Crime Branch

Pune, 12th July 2025: A 70-year-old retired bank officer from Pune fell victim to an elaborate cyber scam, losing ₹1.17 crore to fraudsters posing as officials from the Mumbai Crime Branch. The incident occurred between June 11 and 13, during which the scammers kept the senior citizen under a so-called “digital arrest” after falsely accusing him of involvement in a money laundering case.

The victim, who lives with his wife in Kothrud, was targeted by the cyber criminals through a video call. His son, who resides in the United States, later advised him to report the matter to the authorities. A case was subsequently registered with the Pune Cyber Police, who confirmed that the complaint had been verified through bank transaction details.

How the Fraud Unfolded

According to the cyber police, the con artists introduced themselves as officers from the Mumbai Crime Branch and claimed they were investigating a nationwide investment fraud involving over ₹2,200 crore. They alleged that suspects from Delhi had used the retired officer’s Aadhaar card and bank details to perpetrate financial fraud.

“They told the victim that his identity had been misused in a high-profile scam and warned that he could be arrested,” said an investigating officer. “To make the threat more convincing, they claimed he would be imprisoned for several years and that his family’s reputation would be ruined.”

The fraudsters then offered what they called a “concession” – saying that due to his age, he would be digitally arrested instead of taken into physical custody. They instructed him to remain on a continuous video call for three days, during which he was not allowed to speak to anyone or disconnect.

Payment Under Pressure

During the “digital arrest”, the victim was coerced into transferring large sums of money to bank accounts provided by the fraudsters. “They assured him that once the payments were made, he would be cleared of all allegations,” the officer added.

The total amount transferred over three days added up to ₹1.17 crore, spread across three different bank accounts. It was only after the ordeal ended that the man contacted his son in the US, who immediately recognized the scam and urged him to approach the police.

Police have urged the public to be vigilant against impersonation scams, especially those involving law enforcement agencies. “No police officer will ever ask for money or conduct an arrest digitally. If anyone receives such calls, they should contact the local police immediately,” an official said.