Mumbai Police Investigate ₹2.25 Crore Digital Arrest Scam Targeting Senior Citizen

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Mumbai Cybercrime Incident: 77-Year-Old Defrauded of ₹2.25 Crore

A recent cybercrime incident in Mumbai has resulted in a 77-year-old senior citizen being defrauded of over ₹2.25 crore.

The Scam

The scam, which began in November 2025, involved fraudsters posing as police and anti-terror investigation officials, threatening the victim with arrest and a 10-year prison sentence.

The scammers claimed that a bank account had been opened in the victim’s name in Jammu and Kashmir, which was allegedly being used for suspected terrorist fund transfers. They also alleged that the victim had received ₹70 lakh as commission through the account and that he must appear for questioning.

Adding Credibility to the Scam

To add credibility to their story, the fraudsters sent a fake government notice with signatures resembling those of the then National Investigation Agency chief. The notice threatened that non-cooperation with the investigation could lead to 10 years of imprisonment and a ₹5 lakh fine.

Fake arrest warrants and seizure orders were also sent to intensify psychological pressure on the victim.

The Victim’s Loss

Under fear and panic, the elderly man transferred money from his bank accounts in multiple transactions on the instructions of the accused. Between November 18 and December 3, 2025, more than ₹2.25 crore was transferred to accounts provided by the fraudsters.

Investigation and Arrest

Later, the fraudsters falsely assured the victim that his “bail had been approved” and that the money would be returned soon. However, after realizing that he had been cheated, the victim approached the North Regional Cyber Division and filed a complaint.

During the investigation, police arrested a suspect, Kishan Bhaveshbhai Makwana, from Gujarat, for allegedly providing bank accounts used for transferring the fraud money.

Technical analysis revealed that the suspect had helped cybercriminals open bank accounts to park fraud proceeds safely.

According to cybersecurity experts, social engineering-based frauds are on the rise, with scammers increasingly using fear-based narratives such as digital arrest and fake terrorism investigations to intimidate victims. Renowned cybercrime expert Prof. Triveni Singh warned that “cybercriminals exploit panic and urgency by creating terrifying digital arrest scenarios. Any phone call demanding money or claiming arrest by investigative agencies should be treated as highly suspicious and immediately verified.”

Warning from Authorities

The police have clarified that no official investigation asks for money transfers, and people are advised to remain alert if anyone posing as police, anti-terror agency, or government officer asks for bank details, OTP, or financial transfers.

Authorities believe that cyber fraud gangs are using mule account networks to rapidly circulate illegal funds.

Ongoing Investigation

The investigation is ongoing, with technical analysis of financial transactions and cryptocurrency records being conducted to track the entire syndicate.

The authorities have appealed to the public not to share personal information during unknown calls, and to immediately contact local police or the cybercrime helpline if they receive threats of “digital arrest”.