Daijiworld Media Network – Belagavi

Belagavi, Mar 22: In a startling case of cyber fraud, scammers posing under the guise of a “digital arrest” allegedly swindled an elderly businessman of a staggering Rs 15 crore in Belagavi district, sending shockwaves across the region. The case has been registered at the CEN Police Station.

According to police, the fraudsters contacted the victim through a video call, falsely claiming that his bank account was linked to a money laundering case. Creating a sense of urgency and fear, they warned him that he was under “digital arrest” and that an official investigation was in progress.

The accused then persuaded him to transfer funds to a so-called “safe account” for verification purposes, assuring him that the money would be returned once the inquiry was completed. Falling prey to the elaborate ruse, the victim transferred the amount in multiple instalments, ultimately losing Rs 15 crore.

The scam came to light when the fraudsters abruptly cut off all communication, prompting the businessman to grow suspicious. He subsequently lodged a complaint at the Belagavi CEN Police Station on March 18.

Acting swiftly, police froze several bank accounts linked to the accused and managed to block Rs 90 lac from the defrauded sum. A special team has been constituted to trace and apprehend the culprits.

Officials revealed that as many as three senior citizens have fallen victim to similar cyber frauds within a span of just one month. Urging public caution, police appealed to citizens not to panic in response to such threats and to report any suspicious calls or financial demands to authorities without delay.