A 56-year-old man from Chembur, Mumbai, fell victim to an elaborate cyber fraud and was defrauded of Rs12.81 crore after scammers convinced him that he was under “digital arrest” for alleged involvement in illegal activities. The scam, which lasted from July 19 to August 12, involved the victim transferring a substantial sum to various bank accounts after being manipulated by the fraudsters.
The East Region Cyber Police registered a case on November 28, with Naga Chimti arrested for his role in the scam. Chimti, who was identified through his mobile number, is one of the key suspects. The fraud also involved another individual, Vikram Singh, who posed as a police officer from the Mumbai Crime Branch. Singh contacted the victim via WhatsApp, further convincing him that a criminal case had been filed against him.
Chimti falsely told the victim that his credentials were linked to human trafficking and money laundering activities, creating a sense of panic. Vikram Singh then contacted the victim through a WhatsApp video call, claiming that the victim’s bank account was involved in illegal transactions, including “black money.” The victim was instructed to transfer large sums of money to various bank accounts to resolve the issue.
In total, the victim transferred Rs12.81 crore, believing it was necessary to clear his name. After the money was transferred, the scammers stopped communicating, and the victim realized he had been duped. The complainant, who is unemployed and relies on his parents’ assets, reported the fraud to the police.
An FIR has been filed against Naga Chimti for cheating, criminal conspiracy, and breach of trust. While Vikram Singh remains a key suspect, police are continuing their investigation to identify all other beneficiaries and accomplices involved in the scam.
