Retired Engineer Scammed ₹33 Crores in 20-Day Digital Scam

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A 70-year-old retired civil engineer from Kolkata was reportedly defrauded in a digital arrest scam, losing approximately ₹326.84 million (₹32.68 crore) over a 20-day period.

The Scam Unfolds

The victim, an IIT graduate and former civil engineer, alleged that cybercriminals impersonating law enforcement and central agency officials conducted a prolonged deception, compelling him to transfer funds from his lifetime savings. According to police reports, the individual resides in New Town, Kolkata, with his spouse.

Initial Contact and Threats

The scam began in December 2025 when the victim received calls from individuals claiming to represent the Mumbai Crime Branch. They alleged that a SIM card linked to his Aadhaar details was connected to 24 complaints and that an FIR had been filed against him. Despite the victim denying the accusations, the callers escalated threats by referencing the CBI and Supreme Court, distributing forged documents such as fake arrest warrants and notices warning of bank account freezes.

Psychological Coercion

The fraudsters reportedly pressured the victim by claiming he would not face immediate arrest but would instead be placed under house surveillance due to his age. He was instructed to provide location updates every two hours and was prohibited from leaving his residence without prior approval. Under persistent psychological coercion, the victim disclosed information about all his financial assets.

Financial Losses and Transactions

The victim was assured that the verification process was a routine procedure and that the funds would be returned once his name was cleared. As a result, he liquidated investments exceeding ₹220 million by selling shares, prematurely closing fixed deposits at two banks, terminating his Public Provident Fund (PPF) account, and redeeming mutual fund holdings. A total of ₹326.84 million was transferred via RTGS and other digital transactions to accounts allegedly designated by the perpetrators.

Fund Movements and Bail Demand

Investigators identified that the funds were funneled into bank accounts under the names of multiple private entities. The final transfer of ₹20 million was reportedly made after the victim was informed it was part of a ₹150 million bail requirement backed by a fabricated Supreme Court order.

Investigation and Expert Analysis

The victim only became suspicious when repeated refund assurances remained unfulfilled. After consulting a former colleague, he reported the incident to law enforcement. Authorities are analyzing call records, banking transactions, digital devices, forged documents, and fund movements to trace the cyber fraud network. Legal proceedings will depend on the evidence collected during the investigation.

Cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh highlighted that “digital arrest” schemes are social engineering tactics. He stressed that no legitimate Indian law enforcement agency conducts investigations through video calls or requests money transfers for verification.

Public Advisory and Ongoing Case

The public was advised to terminate such calls, independently verify claims through official channels, and report suspicious activities to police and the national cybercrime helpline. The case remains under active investigation, with criminal liability to be determined by the judicial system based on presented evidence.