In a shocking incident of cyber fraud, a 33-year-old software engineer was swindled out of a massive ₹3.6 crore after falling prey to a sophisticated ‘digital arrest’ scam. The victim, identified as Shreya C.S. from Maratahalli, was targeted by individuals impersonating Mumbai police officers who fabricated a money laundering case against her.
Following a formal complaint, authorities promptly registered a First Information Report (FIR) on Friday. The case names a person identified as ‘Vishal’ as a primary cyber fraudster, with charges including identity theft and cheating by impersonation under Sections 66C and 66D of the Information Technology Act, 2000, alongside relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023.
The elaborate deception began in August 2025 when Shreya received a WhatsApp call from an individual claiming to be a Mumbai police officer named Vishal. He falsely accused her of involvement in an ongoing money laundering investigation and threatened her with an immediate ‘digital arrest’ unless she cooperated. To ‘verify’ her funds and ensure their ‘safe return’ within 24 hours post-investigation, he coerced her into providing her bank account details.
Under immense pressure and believing the sophisticated charade, Shreya tragically complied. She not only divulged personal and her father’s bank account information but also transferred a staggering ₹3,62,87,000 across 42 distinct bank accounts provided by the scammer.
The horrifying truth emerged when, after the promised 24-hour refund deadline passed, Shreya found Vishal’s mobile number unreachable. Subsequent attempts to contact him proved futile, leading her to the grim realization that she had been thoroughly conned. She immediately approached the police on Friday to file her official complaint.
In response, law enforcement has swiftly launched an intensive probe, focusing on freezing the numerous bank accounts where the fraudulently obtained funds were deposited. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the escalating threat of cybercrime and the importance of vigilance against such deceptive tactics.