Mumbai Woman Loses ₹3.71 Crore in 'Digital Arrest' Scam Posing as Justice Chandrachud
Mumbai Woman Loses ₹3.71 Crore in 'Digital Arrest' Scam Posing as Justice Chandrachud
Cyber crooks used fake police and a staged court hearing to pressure a Mumbai woman into transferring crores; one suspect held in Gujarat as police probe continues.
A Mumbai woman fell prey to a sophisticated 'digital arrest' scam, losing tens of lakhs to fraudsters who pretended to be police and Central agencies. The police say the culprits staged a fake online court hearing, with one person identifying himself as Justice Chandrachud, to pressure her into complying. The hunt led to a suspect being held in Gujarat, as investigators traced the money trail across multiple bank accounts.
According to the West Region Cyber Police, the woman, who lives in Andheri West, began receiving calls on August 18 claiming her bank account was being used for money laundering. She was told to transfer money for ‘verification’ and to avoid arrest. Over about two months, she moved around ₹3.75 crore into different accounts. The fraudsters used mule accounts and even video-called the victim, reinforcing the deception with authorities' identity.
Police have registered the case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Information Technology Act, and are continuing the probe to recover funds. The incident underscores how digital arrest scams blend fear with convincing impersonations of police and judiciary, leaving victims rattled and financially shaken. Citizens are urged to verify any such communications through official channels and not share bank details.
Authorities say the case is a reminder to stay vigilant, especially with calls that threaten immediate arrest. Anyone with information is asked to contact cybercrime police, and to use official numbers instead of responding to unknown callers.
