Elderly Pune Resident Loses Rs 1.44 Crore in Sophisticated 'Digital Arrest' Scam by Fake NIA Officers

On September 23, an elderly Pune resident received a call from someone claiming to be a Mumbai police inspector, initiating what would become a costly deception.

A 70-year-old man from Pune fell victim to an elaborate cyber scam, losing Rs 1.44 crore after being placed under 'digital arrest' by fraudsters impersonating officers from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS), police officials confirmed on Saturday.

According to the complaint filed at the Cyber police station, the victim's terrifying experience began on September 23 when he received a call from an individual who introduced himself as a police inspector from Mumbai.

The caller informed the elderly man that the ATS unit in Lucknow had apprehended a terrorist who had allegedly used bank accounts registered in the victim's name for financing terrorist activities, as detailed in the official report.

"Subsequently, another individual wearing a police uniform contacted the victim via video call, stating that the NIA chief would be handling further investigation into the matter. Throughout this ordeal, the perpetrators forced the victim to maintain an active video call. Overwhelmed with fear, the victim transferred Rs 1.44 crore to the accounts specified by the scammers," explained the police official based on the FIR.

On October 8, when the fraudsters demanded an additional Rs 3 lakh deposit, the victim became suspicious and approached the cyber police to report the incident.

Authorities have registered a case against unidentified individuals under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Information Technology Act, the official added.