In a shocking case of cyber fraud, a 68-year-old woman from Mumbai was swindled out of a staggering Rs 3.71 crore after being subjected to a 'digital arrest' in a fictitious 'virtual court of Justice Chandrachud'. The West Cyber police in Mumbai have made a breakthrough, arresting a 46-year-old garment trader from Surat who allegedly provided his bank account as a 'mule' to receive part of the illicit funds.
The Anatomy of a 'Digital Arrest'
The elaborate scam began when the victim, a resident of Veera Desai Road in Andheri West, received a call from someone claiming to be from the Colaba police station. After a brief, disconnected call, she received a WhatsApp video call from the same purported official.
The caller alleged that her Aadhaar number had been used to open a Canara Bank account involved in illegal transactions worth Rs 6 crore. She was further told that her name had surfaced in a money laundering case linked to businessman Naresh Goyal, and that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was probing the matter.
The fraudster promised a swift hearing and bail if she was innocent, claiming the hearing would be conducted by a judge named Chandrachud. Subsequently, a person dressed in a black coat appeared on the video call, acting as the judge in this 'virtual court'. When the woman denied any wrongdoing, the impersonator 'refused' her bail, stood up, and left the frame.
The Financial Drain and the Mule Account
Following this intimidating charade, the accused demanded the woman deposit all her savings for 'verification'. Terrified and believing she was dealing with legitimate authorities, the victim transferred Rs 3.71 crore from her bank account between August 29 and October 6, as per the instructions in the FIR.
The investigation led the police to Jitendrabhai Dhanjibhai Miyani, a 46-year-old garment trader from Surat. Police allege that Miyani, directed by the fraudster, registered a garment trading firm four months ago and used its details to open a bank account. He then handed over his bank details to the scammer.
On the day the victim's money was credited, Miyani allegedly withdrew his commission of Rs 6.40 lakh before the fraudster transferred the remaining amount to another account. The police stated that the main fraudster who was in touch with Miyani has since fled abroad.
Investigation and Ongoing Probe
The scam unraveled when the fraudsters demanded more money and gave excuses for not returning her funds, prompting the woman to realize she had been duped. She approached the cyber police station, submitting all evidence including chats, transaction records, screenshots, and bank statements.
After verifying the facts, the police registered a case in November and began their investigation. A senior officer involved in the probe confirmed that they are gathering details about other members of the syndicate and aim to apprehend them. This case highlights the alarming sophistication of cybercriminals who exploit fear and impersonate the highest pillars of the justice system to commit financial crimes.
