Digital Arrest: A New Wave of Cybercrime

A 64-year-old Thane resident fell prey to a cyberfraud gang that impersonated police and kept him under 'digital arrest', coercing him into transferring Rs 1.56 crore. The victim was convinced he was part of a criminal investigation, later realising the deception before approaching police.

A Thane resident, aged 64, became the victim of a sophisticated cyberfraud scheme where scammers impersonating police officers kept him under a 'digital arrest' for nearly a month.

The perpetrators sent fake Mumbai police FIRs and counterfeit Interpol 'Red Corner' notices to persuade the victim of his implication in a serious crime. The fraudsters manipulated him into downloading the Signal app on his wife's phone, enabling constant surveillance.

The victim eventually transferred Rs 1.56 crore to different accounts, believing it was for verification by India's Reserve Bank. Upon realizing the scam, he alerted the police, who are now investigating the matter under multiple legal sections.