Nagpur: A 58-year-old woman was allegedly subjected to a terrifying “digital arrest” by cyber fraudsters posing as police officers and was duped of nearly Rs 53 lakh after being threatened with arrest in a money laundering case allegedly linked to terrorist activities.

The Cyber Police have registered a case against three persons identified as Ravikumar, Abhinav Joshi and CP Shrimantkumar Singh for cheating and offences under relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act. Investigators have launched a probe into the financial and digital trail of the fraud.

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According to police, the ordeal began on August 9, when the woman received a WhatsApp communication from one of the accused. The caller allegedly introduced himself as a police officer and claimed that money involved in a money laundering case had been deposited into the woman’s bank account.

The fraudster allegedly escalated the threat by claiming that the money was being used to finance terrorist activities. The woman was warned of serious legal consequences and made to believe that she had become an accused in a major criminal case.

The accused then allegedly told her that she had been placed under “digital arrest” and would remain under their virtual surveillance. She was also warned against informing family members or discussing the matter with anyone.

Trapped in fear and under sustained psychological pressure, the woman was allegedly made to transfer money on the pretext of various verification and legal procedures. Acting on the instructions of the fraudsters, she transferred a total of Rs 53 lakh to bank accounts provided by them.

It was only later that the woman realised that she had been conned and approached the Cyber Police.

Following her complaint, police registered a case against the three accused and began examining the bank accounts used to receive the money, transaction records, WhatsApp communications and other electronic evidence.

Investigators are also probing whether the accused were operating as part of a larger cybercrime network and whether other persons were involved in handling or transferring the defrauded money.

Police issue warning

Police have reiterated that no police officer or investigating agency has the legal authority to place a person under “digital arrest” through a phone or video call.

Citizens have been warned against fraudsters posing as officials of the police, CBI, Enforcement Directorate or other government agencies and demanding money by threatening arrest or legal action.

Police have advised people not to panic or transfer money if they receive such calls. Instead, they should immediately disconnect, verify the claim through the concerned agency and report the incident to the police or cybercrime authorities.