Former CISF Officer in Kolkata Defrauded of Rs 16 Lakh in Sophisticated Digital Arrest Scam
A 72-year-old retired senior official of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), living in VIP Nagar near Anandapur, Kolkata, has reported losing a staggering Rs 16 lakh in a meticulously planned digital arrest fraud. The incident occurred between January 23 and February 1, during which the victim and his wife were both bedridden due to illness, making them particularly vulnerable to the criminals' tactics.
Fraudsters Pose as CBI and ED Officials from Mumbai
The scam began when the former CISF officer received threatening phone calls from individuals claiming to be officials from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) based in Mumbai. The fraudsters alleged that the victim was implicated in the high-profile Naresh Goyal scam case, which is linked to illegal black money conversion operations. They warned him of imminent arrest unless he complied with their demands for immediate payment.
To lend credibility to their threats, the criminals sent the victim fabricated documents via WhatsApp, including a fake First Information Report (FIR) and details of an ATM card allegedly registered under his name. They claimed this card was recovered from Naresh Goyal's residence, further pressuring the elderly man into believing the legitimacy of their claims.
Fake Supreme Court and MHA Orders Used to Extort Money
In a shocking escalation, the fraudsters also shared counterfeit "orders" purportedly from the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). These documents, which the victim later provided to the police, instructed him to pay the demanded sum without delay. The psychological manipulation was intense, leveraging the authority of these esteemed institutions to instill fear and compliance.
On February 1, after the victim transferred the entire amount of Rs 16 lakh from his pension account held at a public bank's Picnic Garden branch to accounts located in south India, the criminals sent him a so-called 'police clearance certificate'. This document was likely intended to create a false sense of resolution and deter him from reporting the crime.
Kolkata Police Respond with Advisory for Senior Citizens
The case was officially recorded at the Anandapur Police Station on Thursday, prompting Kolkata Police to issue a fresh advisory aimed at protecting senior citizens from similar cybercrimes. Authorities are investigating the two phone numbers used by the fraudsters and tracing the financial transactions involved.
This incident highlights the growing threat of digital arrest scams, where criminals exploit fear and impersonate law enforcement agencies to extort money from unsuspecting individuals, particularly the elderly. It serves as a stark reminder for citizens to verify any such claims directly with official channels and report suspicious activities immediately to the police.
