Andhra TDP MLA duped of Rs 1.07 crore by cyber scammers posing as Mumbai Police

Hyderabad: In yet another case highlighting the growing menace of cybercrime, especially digital arrest, a TDP MLA, Putta Sudhakar Yadav from Mydukur, Kadapa district (Andhra Pradesh), has become the latest victim of a sophisticated online scam.

Fraudsters, masquerading as officials from the Mumbai Cybercrime Department, allegedly extorted Rs 1.07 crore from the legislator after convincing him that he was under investigation in a fake money-laundering and human trafficking case.

Call from ‘cybercrime officials’

According to initial reports, the incident took place on October 10, when the MLA, who resides in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, received a phone call around 7:30 am.

The caller introduced himself as a Mumbai Cybercrime officer and informed Yadav that a case had been filed against him under charges of money laundering.

The caller further claimed that 17 complaints had been registered in connection with the alleged case and that the MLA’s Aadhaar and SIM card details were used to open a fake bank account through which suspicious transactions had taken place.

Video call and fake warrants

A few minutes later, another person joined the conversation via WhatsApp video call, identifying himself as a Cybercrime Investigation Officer.

The fraudster allegedly displayed a forged arrest warrant and a CBI account freeze order on camera, convincing the MLA that legal action was already underway against him.

Panicked by the threats, Yadav reportedly asked how to resolve the issue. The scammers then claimed that Rs 3 crore had been illegally deposited into his Canara Bank account and warned that failure to cooperate would result in his immediate arrest.

Money transferred in fear

Believing the scammers’ claims, the MLA was told to pay for ‘provisional bail’ to avoid arrest. Under duress, he transferred a total of Rs 1.07 crore to various accounts specified by the fraudsters between October 10 and 15.

The conmen later demanded an additional Rs 60 lakh, promising to send a court clearance certificate once the payment was made. It was at this stage that the MLA realised he had been deceived.

Complaint filed; probe on

On Thursday night, Yadav lodged a formal complaint with the Hyderabad Cybercrime Police, who have since registered a case under multiple sections related to cheating and impersonation.

Police said the fraudsters used fake caller IDs, forged documents, and spoofed video calls to make the scam appear legitimate. Efforts are on to trace the accused through bank transaction trails and digital footprints.

Officials urge caution

Cybercrime officials have warned the public not to fall prey to such impersonation scams. Citizens are advised to verify any call claiming to be from law enforcement agencies and report suspicious communications immediately to the nearest cybercrime police station or through the National Cybercrime Helpline (1930).