Mumbai Men Arrested in ₹14.36 Lakh Digital Scam Targeting Rourkela Bishop
Two individuals from Mumbai have been detained by law enforcement following allegations of orchestrating a digital fraud scheme that defrauded a Rourkela-based bishop of ₹14.36 lakh by impersonating law enforcement and CBI officials.
The Fraud Scheme
The incident involved a multi-stage deception where victims were misled into transferring funds under false pretenses of legal proceedings. Investigators revealed the scheme began with a caller identifying as a Mumbai Police officer, who claimed a mobile number associated with the bishop was linked to illicit activities.
The Deception Process
Subsequent interactions included a second caller posing as an IPS officer from Mumbai, who conducted a video call to reinforce the deception. This individual allegedly connected the bishop to another party impersonating a CBI investigator, who asserted the bishop’s Mumbai bank account was tied to money laundering and terror financing operations.
False Warrant and Demands
The fraudsters presented what they claimed to be a non-bailable warrant issued by the Supreme Court, warning the bishop of ongoing CBI surveillance. They instructed the victim to submit activity reports every three hours and mandated appearances before the Supreme Court or a Mumbai police station.
Investigation and Arrests
The scammers then requested a ₹36,500 payment for filing a petition in the Supreme Court, followed by a ₹14 lakh refundable security deposit to expedite the investigation. Funds were transferred in two installments via electronic means before the bishop recognized the scam and reported the incident to Rourkela Cyber Crime and Economic Offences authorities.
Technical Probe and Suspects
A technical probe into banking transactions, mobile number records, digital footprints, and beneficiary accounts led investigators to identify two suspects described as GST brokers. Both were apprehended in Mumbai and transported to Rourkela for further questioning.
Broader Network and Ongoing Probe
Law enforcement stated the bank accounts used to receive the illicit funds were linked to a broader cyber fraud network operating across multiple states, with proceeds allegedly funneled through interconnected financial channels. The investigation remains active as authorities seek to uncover additional connections and potential accomplices.
Law enforcement stated the bank accounts used to receive the illicit funds were linked to a broader cyber fraud network operating across multiple states, with proceeds allegedly funneled through interconnected financial channels.
Conclusion
The investigation remains active as authorities seek to uncover additional connections and potential accomplices. The case highlights the growing threat of digital fraud and the importance of vigilance against impersonation schemes.
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