Pune: MBA Student Duped of Rs 43 Lakh in ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam by Cyber Fraudsters Posing as CBI Officials

Baner, 5th May 2025: A 23-year-old MBA student studying in Pune was allegedly defrauded of ₹43 lakh by cybercriminals who impersonated Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers and placed him under a fake “digital arrest” for nearly a week.

The student, originally from Tamil Nadu and currently pursuing his second-year MBA in the city, was targeted in September 2024 but only approached the cyber police in April this year. Following a preliminary inquiry, Baner police registered a formal FIR on Saturday.

Senior Inspector Chandrashekhar Sawant of Baner police station said, “The accused contacted the student on September 2 last year, falsely identifying themselves as CBI officials from Delhi. They told him that his Aadhaar details were linked to over 50 fraud cases under investigation and used this claim to intimidate him.”
To strengthen their lie, the fraudsters sent the student a forged arrest warrant purportedly issued by a court in Delhi. They then instructed him to download a specific video calling app, which they used to monitor him continuously in his hostel room.

“They made him sit in front of his laptop with the video app running for hours. Initially, this went on for three days, and eventually extended to six days. They told him he was under investigation and not allowed to leave,” Sawant said.

The fraudsters allegedly promised the student that the “case” could be closed if he cooperated and paid certain sums. In a state of fear and confusion, the victim ended up borrowing large amounts from friends and family, and even sold personal ornaments to gather the money.

“He transferred the funds to three separate bank accounts as instructed. It was only after a month that he realized something was wrong. He discussed the matter with his parents and then decided to file a police complaint,” added Sawant.

Police have launched an investigation to trace the bank accounts and the suspects involved in the elaborate scam. Officers said such “digital arrest” frauds—where victims are kept isolated under surveillance—are becoming increasingly common, targeting students and vulnerable individuals.

Authorities are urging the public to remain cautious and verify the identity of any caller claiming to represent law enforcement or government agencies. “No government body ever demands money or personal details over the phone,” police said.