The Cyberabad Cybercrime team in Hyderabad recently uncovered a sophisticated inter-state ‘digital arrest scam’, which resulted in an 82-year-old retired engineer losing Rs 1.38 crore. The victim, who lodged a complaint in September 2024, was targeted by fraudsters posing as SBI representatives.
The scam began when the elderly man received a call from a fraudster claiming to be from SBI, informing him that an Anti-Money Laundering (AML) case had been filed against him. The victim was then connected to a fake Mumbai Cyber Crime officer via WhatsApp, who coerced him into sharing his Aadhaar details and falsely accused him of money laundering.
Under immense pressure, the victim transferred Rs 1,38,60,000 to various bank accounts linked to the fraudsters. The Cyberabad Cybercrime team launched an investigation and traced the funds to multiple bank accounts associated with the perpetrators. It was discovered that 46-year-old Sankar Ganesh from Tamil Nadu facilitated the scam by providing bank account details in exchange for a commission, while his associate, 45-year-old Elanchezhiyan Sathiyavel, collected and distributed these accounts to other scammers.
The masterminds behind the scam, known as Sachin, Muthukumar, and Saleem, posed as law enforcement officers to deceive victims into transferring large sums of money. In a significant breakthrough, Cybercrime police arrested Sankar Ganesh Adaikkalam in Tiruchirapalli and Elanchezhiyan Sathiyavel in Namakkal, Tamil Nadu on February 18. A case has been registered, and efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining suspects involved in the scam.
The arrest of Sankar Ganesh and Elanchezhiyan marks a crucial development in dismantling the elaborate digital fraud ring that preyed on unsuspecting individuals such as the retired engineer from Hyderabad. The Cyberabad Cybercrime team’s swift action not only led to the apprehension of key players but also serves as a warning to others engaging in similar criminal activities.
The incident underscores the importance of vigilance and caution while dealing with unsolicited calls or messages, especially those involving financial transactions. Authorities advise the public to verify the authenticity of individuals claiming to be associated with financial institutions or law enforcement agencies before sharing any personal information or making monetary transfers.
As investigations continue and efforts to track down the remaining culprits intensify, the case serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence of digital scams and the need for increased awareness and proactive measures to combat such fraudulent activities. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies across states highlights the coordinated approach necessary to effectively combat cybercrime and protect citizens from falling victim to scams orchestrated by sophisticated fraudsters.