Elderly Pune Doctor Loses Rs 46 Lakh After Cybercriminals Threaten Arrest in Fake Money Laundering Case
A shocking case of cyber fraud has emerged from Pune, where an 87-year-old retired doctor was allegedly cheated of Rs 46 lakh by fraudsters posing as officials of the Mumbai Crime Branch. The scammers reportedly threatened the senior citizen with arrest in a fabricated money laundering case, forcing him to transfer a huge sum of money.
According to Pune Cyber Police, the incident occurred between May 24 and May 26. The victim, a retired medical practitioner who previously worked with a renowned international health organisation and is currently residing in Pune, received calls and video calls from individuals claiming to be law enforcement officers.
Fraudsters Claimed Aadhaar Was Misused in Money Laundering Case
Police officials said the scammers told the doctor that his Aadhaar card had been misused by individuals linked to a money laundering investigation involving a former airline owner. The fraudsters further claimed that the case was being monitored under directions from the Supreme Court and warned him that he could face immediate arrest.
Senior Inspector Swapnali Shinde of Pune Cyber Police stated that the suspects maintained constant pressure on the victim by repeatedly threatening legal action and arrest. They allegedly convinced him that the matter could be settled if he transferred money to specific bank accounts provided by them.
Rs 46 Lakh Transferred to Six Different Bank Accounts
Believing the claims to be genuine, the retired doctor transferred Rs 46 lakh through mobile banking to six different bank accounts shared by the fraudsters. Investigators revealed that he also attempted to transfer an additional Rs 25 lakh, but the transaction failed due to a mobile network issue.
The victim reportedly became suspicious only after searching online for information related to the case and discovering reports about “digital arrest” scams, a rapidly growing cybercrime tactic used by fraudsters to extort money by impersonating law enforcement agencies.
Case Transferred for Investigation
Following the complaint filed on Sunday, Pune Cyber Police registered the case and transferred it to the Deccan Gymkhana Police Station for further investigation. Authorities are now tracing the bank accounts used in the fraud and attempting to identify the individuals involved.
Rise in Digital Arrest Scams Across India
Cybercrime experts have repeatedly warned citizens about the rise of digital arrest scams, where criminals impersonate police officers, cybercrime officials, CBI personnel, or court authorities. Victims are often threatened with arrest, legal action, or asset seizure unless they immediately transfer money.
Police have advised the public to verify any such claims through official channels and remember that legitimate law enforcement agencies do not demand money transfers to resolve criminal investigations.
