An elderly couple in Delhi was kept under so-called “digital arrest” for over two weeks by cyber fraudsters and was duped of nearly ₹14 crore, police said. The fraud came to light after the continuous phone and video calls from the accused abruptly stopped on January 9, prompting the couple to approach the authorities.
According to the police, the fraudsters posed as officials from law enforcement agencies and intimidated the couple by falsely claiming they were involved in a money-laundering case. The victims were instructed not to contact anyone and were kept under constant digital surveillance through video calls, a tactic commonly referred to as “digital arrest”.
Out of fear of arrest and legal consequences, the couple transferred large sums of money to multiple bank accounts provided by the fraudsters over several days. Once the calls ceased, the couple realized they had been cheated and lodged a complaint.
Police have registered a case and launched an investigation to trace the money trail and identify those involved. Authorities have also urged the public, especially senior citizens, to remain alert to such cybercrime tactics.
