75-Year-Old Retired Income Tax Officer Scammed Out of ₹51 Lakh in Digital Fraud

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A 75-year-old retired Income Tax Department employee was defrauded of ₹51 lakh by cybercriminals who falsely claimed to have placed him under a simulated “digital detention.”

The Scam Unfolds

Mumbai: A 75-year-old retired Income Tax Department employee from Dahisar was reportedly defrauded of ₹51 lakh by cybercriminals who falsely claimed to have placed him under a simulated “digital detention” and threatened legal action over a fabricated money laundering accusation. The perpetrators allegedly impersonated high-ranking law enforcement officials, conducted persistent video calls, and coerced the victim into transferring funds to a purportedly secure account.

The Victim’s Experience

The victim, Dhananjay Balwant Sawant, retired from the Income Tax Department in 2010. In January of this year, he received a video call from an individual dressed in a police uniform who introduced himself as Premkumar Gautam, a senior officer from Lucknow. The caller alleged that a bank account had been opened using Sawant’s personal information and was being used for illicit financial activities linked to money laundering. Subsequently, two additional individuals contacted Sawant via video call, identifying themselves as Police Inspector Vijay Khanna and Director General of Police Rakesh Agrawal. They reportedly informed him that a formal investigation had been initiated against him.

Coercion and Fraudulent Transactions

The fraudsters instructed Sawant to remain available for continuous video calls during the supposed probe, framing the situation as a form of “house arrest.” They warned him against discussing the matter with family members or others, threatening to dispatch officers to his residence if he disobeyed. The perpetrators also transmitted forged documentation and requested access to Sawant’s banking information. Under sustained psychological pressure, the victim believed the callers were genuine officials. He then transferred ₹51 lakh from his accounts and other deposits into an account designated by the fraudsters, who assured him the funds would be safeguarded until the investigation concluded.

Authorities’ Response

Following the transaction, the criminals ceased communication. Law enforcement agencies initiated an investigation into financial records, digital footprints, and the flow of the stolen funds. During this process, they identified and apprehended Mohammad Safwan Abdul Hamid, who is accused of supplying his bank account to the fraud syndicate. Police allege that a portion of the stolen money was funneled into Abdul Hamid’s account before being withdrawn by other members of the network. Investigators claim he received a commission for his role in facilitating these transactions. Abdul Hamid was presented before a Borivali court, which ordered his detention in police custody.

Expert Insight

A cybersecurity expert and former IPS officer, Prof. Triveni Singh, highlighted that such schemes exploit fear of legal repercussions, using fake official identities and fabricated documents to manipulate victims. He emphasized that demands for money transfers during video calls, claims of “secure accounts,” or references to “digital detention” are critical red flags. Victims are advised to independently verify the authenticity of such requests by contacting relevant law enforcement agencies or trusted contacts rather than complying with instructions given during the call.

Ongoing Investigation

Police stated that technical analysis has aided in identifying further suspects, with a specialized operation underway to locate them. Investigators are scrutinizing the banking channels through which the ₹51 lakh was transferred, aiming to map the full scope of the alleged criminal network. The case underscores how cybercriminals leverage intimidation, false documentation, and impersonation to extort funds from vulnerable individuals. The allegations against the detained suspect remain under investigation, with ongoing efforts to apprehend other participants in the scheme.