Mumbai cyber police have arrested two Thane residents, including an autorickshaw driver, in connection with a ‘digital arrest’ fraud that duped a retired bank executive of Rs50 lakh. The accused, Ravi Ambore (35) and Vishwapal Jadhav (37), were apprehended on Tuesday.
According to officials, the 83-year-old victim and his wife were kept under virtual surveillance for three days during which the scammers coerced them into transferring Rs50 lakh for “verification.” Ambore provided his bank account details, while Jadhav procured another account to help the main fraudsters transfer money across multiple accounts to evade authorities.
The scam came to light after the victim lodged a complaint on October 9, stating that he had received a video call from someone claiming to be a Nashik police officer. The caller falsely alleged that the victim’s account had been used for money laundering and instructed him to transfer funds to a “government bank account” to verify the money.
The victims were also told to stay in front of the camera under surveillance and not to inform anyone about the case. Authorities emphasize that such scams target senior citizens using fear and digital manipulation to extort large sums.
