The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has apprehended two youths accused of defrauding a victim of Rs10.61 crore under the pretense of an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax (IT) Department. This case resembles the Ludhiana digital arrest scam, where S.P.Oswal Vardhman Group’s chief was defrauded of Rs7 crore by scammers posing as CBI officials.
Identified as Vinay Kumar S. Khadke (23) and Maruthi G.H. (28), both residents of Bengaluru, the suspects were arrested and brought to Hyderabad for their involvement in this elaborate scheme. A Hyderabad resident filed a complaint last month, stating he was contacted by individuals impersonating Mumbai Police.
The fraudsters claimed that a bank account had been opened using the victim’s Aadhaar and PAN, alleging it was linked to money laundering activities. They sent counterfeit letters from the ED and IT department, demanding detailed financial information, including properties, deposits, and salary.
Intimidating the victim with threats of legal action and possible imprisonment, the scammers coerced him into cooperating through online interactions and video calls. Misled into compliance, the victim transferred a total of Rs10.61 crore to accounts controlled by the fraudsters, believing he was cooperating with law enforcement.
The accused held a joint account under the name Tinkan Technologies Pvt. Ltd., where Rs4.62 crore was deposited from the victim’s funds. During the investigation, police seized two mobile phones used to execute the scam.
Officials noted that the fraudsters targeted financially vulnerable individuals, offering commissions for access to their bank accounts. Once they gained access, they impersonated law enforcement officials, claiming the victim’s account was involved in illegal activities, effectively manipulating him into transferring funds.
The duo opened a current account with HDFC Bank under Tinkan Technologies Pvt. Ltd. based on instructions from a third party who promised them commissions. The investigation is ongoing to trace the broader network behind this fraud.
Shikha Goel, the TGCSB Director, urged the public to remain vigilant and protect their personal and financial information. She emphasized that legitimate police investigations are not conducted solely over the phone or online, advising everyone to never share their bank account details with anyone, whether known or unknown.
