Hyderabad man loses Rs 10 crores in digital arrest scam; 2 held for posing as Mumbai Police

Hyderabad: Two persons were arrested in Bengaluru and brought to Hyderabad for posing as Mumbai police and through a ‘digital arrest’ duping a man of Rs 10.61 crores.

The accused have been identified as Vinay Kumar S. Khadke (23) and GH Maruthi (28), both residents of Karnataka.

Case details

On September 10, a Hyderabad resident filed a complaint stating that he was contacted by individuals posing as Mumbai police. The fraudsters falsely claimed that a bank account, that was opened using the victim’s Aadhaar and PAN, was identified for money laundering activities.

The scammers even sent fake letters from the Directorate of Enforcement and Income Tax Department, demanding the victim’s financial details, including properties, deposits, shares, salary and more.

The criminals went on to claim that the victim was facing legal action and could face three to seven years of imprisonment. Under the pretence of an investigation, they coerced the victim into cooperating with them via online interactions and video calls. The victim was misled into transferring Rs 10.61 crores into accounts controlled by the fraudsters, believing that he was complying with law enforcement.

The two accused were joint account holders of a current account under Tinkan Technologies Pvt. Ltd., where Rs 4.62 crores was transferred from the victim’s account. During the operation, police seized two mobile phones used to commission the crime.

Modus operandi

The fraudsters exploited financially vulnerable individuals, offering them commissions in exchange for access to their bank accounts and details of other bank accounts.

Once they secured access to these accounts, the accused impersonated law enforcement officials, falsely claiming the victim’s bank account was involved in money laundering. They manipulated the victim into believing that an official investigation was underway, intimidating him into transferring funds. The scammers used mule account holders to facilitate their fraudulent activities further, making the operation appear legitimate.

In this case, the two accused opened a current account with the HDFC Bank in the name of Tinkan Technologies, under the instruction of a third party who promised them commissions. The probe continues to trace the comprehensive network involved in this fraud.

The Cyber Crime Police Station (Headquarters), Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB), arrested the two individuals in Bengaluru and brought them to Hyderabad. A case has been registered and an investigation is on.

Public advisory

The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau urges the public to remain vigilant and to safeguard their personal and financial information. Be extremely cautious when sharing sensitive information, especially with unknown individuals or sources that cannot be verified. No legitimate police investigation will be conducted solely over the phone or online. The public is advised to never share their bank accounts with anyone, whether known or unknown.

If you suspect any one of fraudulent activity, report it immediately through the TGCSB helpline 1930 or visit the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Stay alert and help us combat the rising threat of cybercrime.