Software Engineer Held in “Digital Arrest” for Six Months, Cyber Thugs Swipe ₹32 Crore in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: A 57-year-old software engineer in Bengaluru fell victim to a sophisticated cyber scam, losing nearly ₹31.83 crore after being virtually “digitally arrested” by cybercriminals for six months. The scammers posed as CBI officers, keeping her under constant video surveillance and coercing her into 187 bank transfers to siphon off the massive amount.

How the Scam Unfolded
The scam began in September 2024 with a phone call. An “executive” told the woman that a parcel addressed to her—containing credit cards, passports, and restricted substances—was waiting at a center in Mumbai. When she denied any connection, the caller warned that her phone number was linked to the parcel and this could be a “cybercrime” case. She was then transferred to another caller, who impersonated a senior CBI officer and intimidated her with claims of incriminating evidence.

Months of Coercion via Video Calls
The scammers told the woman that criminals were monitoring her home and instructed her not to contact the police. Fearing for her family’s safety and her son’s upcoming wedding, she complied. She was forced to install two Skype IDs and remain on constant video call. Multiple perpetrators monitored her in shifts: Mohit Handa for two days, Rahul Yadav for a week, and Pradeep Singh, posing as a senior CBI officer, who pressured her continuously to prove her “innocence.”

Money Transferred Under Threat
Between 24 September and 22 October, 2024, the woman began transferring large sums into accounts controlled by the scammers. They extracted ₹2 crore as “bail” between 24 October and 3 November, and later, citing tax and other pretexts, forced her to break her fixed deposits. Ultimately, through 187 transactions, approximately ₹31.83 crore were siphoned off. The scammers repeatedly promised that the money would be returned by February 2025.

False Promises and Emotional Trauma
The cybercriminals also promised clearance letters ahead of her son’s December engagement and provided fake documents. Continuous surveillance and stress took a severe toll on the victim’s mental and physical health, requiring a month of treatment. She later revealed that Pradeep Singh remained in constant contact, assuring her that all funds would be returned by 25 February.

Ongoing Investigation
Even after December, the scammers demanded additional “processing fees,” delaying any refunds. Eventually, they cut off contact. The victim has formally requested a thorough investigation. Bengaluru police are now probing this high-tech cyber racket, aiming to bring the perpetrators to justice.