In India's Biggest Digital Arrest Scam, Bengalore Woman Robbed Of Rs 32 Crore - Trak.in - Indian Business of Tech, Mobile & Startups

Overview of the Scam

A 57-year-old woman in Bengaluru was defrauded of nearly Rs 32 crore through an elaborate digital arrest scam, which kept her virtually confined under the scammers' control for about six months.

Initial Contact and Deception

The ordeal began on September 15, 2024, when the victim received a call from an individual impersonating a DHL representative. The caller claimed a parcel in her name from Andheri contained banned items such as passports, credit cards, and MDMA, alleging misuse of her identity.

Escalation and Threats

Despite her denial of traveling to Mumbai, she was transferred to people masquerading as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials who threatened her with arrest. They asserted that strong evidence implicated her and warned her not to contact local police, claiming criminals were monitoring her home.

Digital House Arrest

The fraudsters directed her to install two Skype accounts, through which she was continuously monitored by a man known as Mohit Handa and later others under the guise of CBI officers. She was effectively held under a digital house arrest, staying on video calls nonstop.

Coerced Transactions and Surveillance

Over six months, the victim was coerced into making 187 bank transfers totaling Rs 31.83 crore. The scammers compelled her to share complete financial details, imposing payments under various pretenses like “surety amounts” and “taxes.”

They promised that the money would be refunded after verification, even sending a fake clearance certificate before her son's engagement. However, after repeated demands for “processing charges,” communication abruptly ceased in early 2025.

Impact and Aftermath

“In total, through 187 transactions, I stand deprived of approximately Rs 31.83 crore,” the victim stated in her complaint, urging a thorough investigation.

She was kept under strict surveillance, including during hospital visits, and feared for her family's safety, which ultimately delayed her filing a police complaint until after her son's wedding.

Summary

The Bengaluru digital arrest scam is one of the largest cases of cyber fraud in the region, illustrating how sophisticated impersonation and psychological manipulation can lead to devastating financial losses.

“The scammers warned her not to approach the police and said criminals watching her house put her family in danger,” highlighting the depth of their manipulation and control.

Author's Note

This case underscores the urgent need for awareness about digital scams, especially those using intimidation and prolonged psychological control to extort vast sums from victims.

Trak.in — 2025-11-21