A 74-year-old man and his sister have become latest victims of digital arrest and lost a total of ₹80.5 lakh to a gang of cyber fraudsters impersonating a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) and coercing them into transferring large sums of money under the pretext of a money-laundering investigation.
According to the complaint filed by Shanmugavelu, the incident began on October 30, 2025, around 9.30 a.m., when he received a WhatsApp call and the caller claimed that his mobile number was linked to an international money-laundering case and that the probe was being monitored by a DySP.
The fraudster shared “official-looking” documents and convinced the victim that his bank accounts were under scrutiny by the Reserve Bank of India. He was told that his financial details had to be verified immediately to avoid legal action.
Believing the claim, the victim disclosed his personal information, including details of his Post Office fixed deposit worth ₹30 lakh. The scammers then contacted him through various other WhatsApp numbers, instructing him to transfer the deposit amount for “verification”.
On October 31, 2025, the victim transferred ₹35 lakh, followed by another transfer from his bank account after liquidating it. The saving deposits of his sister, Sasikalavathy, were also encashed and credited.
The accused threatened the duo not to venture out and lock the house from inside and not to talk to anyone and cooperate with them until the completion of the investigation. The accused even threatened to arrest the brother and sister if they ventured out of the house. Scared, the duo followed the instructions and transferred the money in several transactions.
Later, another caller convinced him that officials would visit his home and that he must keep cash ready. When no one arrived, he grew suspicious but had already shared his sensitive details.
On November 29, the victims got a call again from the accused asking them to visit the nearest police station for further procedure.
The scam came to light when Shanmugavelu visited the station to get an update and came to know that he has been cheated.
Based on the advice of the police, he filed a complaint with the East Division Cyber Crime Police on Tuesday, based on which the police have registered an FIR against unknown people charging them under Information Technology Act, 2000 and various sections of Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023.
Published – December 06, 2025 11:06 pm IST
