Mumbai Cyber Police Nab Accused in Sophisticated Digital Arrest Scam
The West Regional Cyber Police in Mumbai have made a significant breakthrough in a high-profile digital fraud case, arresting 35-year-old Parshuram Jagtap. This arrest is connected to a distressing incident where an elderly retired government official from Juhu was allegedly swindled out of a staggering Rs 1.27 crore through an elaborate impersonation scheme.
Modus Operandi: Impersonation and Threats
According to police reports, the fraudsters employed a sophisticated tactic by impersonating former Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Daya Nayak. They used this false identity to threaten the victim with imminent arrest, creating a climate of fear and urgency. The cybercriminals meticulously crafted a narrative to ensnare the senior citizen, leveraging psychological pressure to extract money.
Jagtap's alleged role in this criminal network was to provide bank accounts that facilitated the fraudulent transactions. Following his arrest, he was promptly produced before a court, marking a crucial step in the legal proceedings against those involved in this cybercrime.
The Victim's Harrowing Ordeal
The complainant's nightmare began in October when he received a call from an individual identifying himself as Sandeep Rao, who claimed to be an officer from the Ashok Nagar police station in Bengaluru. The caller informed the elderly man that his name had surfaced in a Rs 75 lakh fraud case, alleging that an ATM passbook bearing his name was found with a person arrested in a money laundering investigation.
To add credibility to their story, the fraudsters mentioned that parallel investigations were being conducted by both the Delhi Police and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). They instructed the victim to maintain strict confidentiality, citing national interest, and warned him against disclosing any information until the inquiry was complete.
Escalation of Threats and Financial Manipulation
The situation intensified when the victim was told to isolate himself in a room and cooperate fully with the investigation. The caller specifically mentioned that "CBI officer Daya Nayak" was leading the inquiry. Subsequently, the complainant interacted with an imposter posing as Daya Nayak via video call, who displayed what appeared to be an FIR and an arrest warrant, further terrifying the elderly man.
The fraudster threatened to freeze the victim's bank accounts, adding to his distress. Exploiting his age, they told him that as a senior citizen, he would not be arrested immediately, but severe consequences would follow if he failed to cooperate. During this period, the victim received additional calls from other individuals posing as officers, creating a coordinated illusion of an official investigation.
The Financial Trap and Aftermath
The imposters, under the guise of Daya Nayak and other fictitious officers, instructed the complainant to provide his bank account details and transfer his funds to another account. They falsely claimed that his account was under investigation as per a Supreme Court order and that the money needed to be moved temporarily. Believing these assertions, the victim transferred Rs 1.27 crore to the designated account.
He was assured that the amount would be returned once the inquiry concluded, but this promise proved hollow. Realizing he had been scammed, the victim approached the West Regional Cyber Police, who registered a case and initiated a thorough investigation. Through diligent efforts, the police gathered critical information that led to the identification and subsequent custody of Parshuram Jagtap.
This case highlights the growing menace of digital frauds targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly senior citizens, through impersonation and psychological manipulation. The arrest serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and verification when dealing with unsolicited communications claiming to be from law enforcement agencies.
