Conned: Digital arrest robs 82-year-old of Rs 1.16 crore

The fraudsters posing as law enforcement personnel showed fabricated arrest order during a WhatsApp video call, forcing the senior citizen to part with the money.

- TIKAM SHARMA

The cyber cell of the Crime Branch, Delhi Police, has achieved significant success in a high-value cyber fraud case with the arrest of three key members of a syndicate that digitally intimidated an 82-year-old senior citizen and compelled him to transfer Rs 1.16 crore after falsely threatening him with legal action.

Police officials said that the elderly victim was placed under what is commonly referred to as a "digital arrest," during which the accused posed as law enforcement personnel and warned him of grave legal consequences. The fraudsters allegedly displayed a fabricated arrest order during a WhatsApp video call, subjecting the victim to severe psychological pressure and ultimately forcing him to part with the money.