In a shocking turn of events, Geevarghese Coorilose, the former Metropolitan Bishop of the Jacobite Syrian Church, has become the latest victim of a sophisticated cybercrime, losing a significant sum of Rs15.01 lakh. The scam, which is believed to have been carried out by a well-organized group of cybercriminals, has been reported to the Keezhvaipur Police, who have now launched an investigation into the matter.
According to police reports, the scammers used a fraudulent scheme to trick Bishop Coorilose into believing that a bank account had been opened in Mumbai in his name. They falsely claimed that the account was being used for transactions involving black money. The cybercriminals then manipulated the Bishop into transferring large sums of money to “clear his name” and avoid legal repercussions.
The fraudsters, who are said to have posed as bank officials or law enforcement agents, created a convincing narrative, making the Bishop believe he was involved in a serious financial matter that needed urgent attention. This well-planned scheme ultimately led to the loss of Rs15.01 lakh, which was transferred in several installments.
The Keezhvaipur Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and cybercrime laws. The authorities are currently investigating the scam to track down the perpetrators and recover the defrauded amount. The police are focusing on identifying the digital footprints left by the criminals, including the bank account details and communication methods used to contact the Bishop.
This incident highlights the growing threat of cyber frauds, especially schemes targeting high-profile individuals. The scammers often use sophisticated tactics such as impersonating government officials, fake legal threats, and bogus financial dealings to manipulate victims into transferring money.
Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution when receiving unsolicited calls, messages, or emails, especially when they claim to be from official bodies like banks, tax authorities, or law enforcement. Victims of similar frauds are advised to immediately report any suspicious communication to the police and avoid making any payments without proper verification.