Retired Bank Manager Falls Victim to Elaborate Cyber Fraud in Mumbai
Cybercrime Incident in Mumbai
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Mumbai, May 6: A retired bank manager in Mumbai's Bhandup area was reportedly subjected to a shocking cybercrime, where fraudsters held him in a state of "digital arrest" for 54 days, extorting a staggering Rs 40.90 lakh by threatening to link him to the Delhi bomb blasts and a money laundering investigation, as stated by the Mumbai Police on Wednesday.
The police revealed that the perpetrators impersonated officials from the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA), creating a climate of fear and psychological manipulation that compelled the victim to meet their demands.
The victim, identified as Rajendra, a former manager at the Maharashtra State Co-operative Bank, was coerced into transferring significant amounts of money, including liquidating his investments in the stock market.
The ordeal began on March 10 when Rajendra received a video call through the Signal app from an account labeled “ATS Department.” The caller, claiming to be PSI Singh from the Delhi ATS, alleged that Rajendra's name had emerged in relation to the January bomb blasts and a money laundering case.
The fraudsters further asserted that a bank account had been illicitly opened in Karnataka using Rajendra’s Aadhaar details and mobile number, through which suspicious transactions totaling Rs 2.65 crore had occurred. To heighten the threat, they referenced a supposed Supreme Court order, warning of imminent arrest and asset seizure.
Under constant video surveillance, Rajendra was instructed to isolate himself at home, refrain from communicating with anyone, and strictly adhere to their instructions. Acting under severe mental pressure, he initially transferred Rs 2.90 lakh. The situation escalated when he was forced to sell shares worth Rs 29 lakh from his stock market portfolio, with Rs 28 lakh being funneled into various accounts controlled by the fraudsters.
The criminals also extorted Rs 10 lakh under the guise of “bail security,” which Rajendra’s wife arranged through a loan. They promised that the entire sum would be returned within two days and that the matter would be resolved.
However, after receiving the funds, the fraudsters severed all communication. After several days without any updates, Rajendra realized he had been scammed.
He filed a complaint with the national cybercrime helpline 1930 on May 3, followed by a formal report to the Mumbai Cyber Cell on May 4. Authorities have initiated an investigation to track down the culprits and identify the bank accounts involved in the fraud.