Doctor Duped of ₹19 Crore in ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam

Gandhinagar: In a shocking case of cybercrime, a senior woman doctor from Gandhinagar, Gujarat, was conned out of over ₹19 crore in a meticulously executed scam involving fake law enforcement officials and forged legal documents.

How the Fraud Unfolded
The nightmare began in March when the doctor received a call from a woman claiming to be from the Telecommunications Department. She was soon contacted by multiple others impersonating police officers, public prosecutors, and notaries. Together, they convinced her that her mobile number had been used to send obscene messages and for money laundering activities.

To back their claims, they shared a forged document on WhatsApp bearing the Enforcement Directorate’s letterhead, stating she had been booked under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

From March 15 to June 25, the doctor was coerced into sharing personal financial details and made to stay in constant contact via WhatsApp video calls—even while attending her nephew’s wedding in Surat. The fraudsters then demanded that she “park” her assets—valued at nearly ₹20 crore—in designated accounts pending “investigation”.

Completely convinced of the charges, the doctor sold gold, broke fixed deposits, liquidated shares, and transferred ₹19 crore to over 30 bank accounts.

Crackdown and Warnings
The CID cyber cell has arrested one accused, Lalji Jayantibhai Baldaniya, whose bank account received some of the money. Police are now tracing others involved in the scam and the accounts used to siphon off the funds.

Dharmendra Sharma, Superintendent of Police (CID Cyber Cell), said the fraud mirrors tactics used by cybercrime syndicates operating from Cambodia. "They typically accuse victims of sharing pornographic content or laundering money, then demand account verification through large transfers," he said.

A Ministry of Home Affairs report has linked Cambodian call centres to cyber frauds targeting Indians, with losses reportedly crossing ₹1,000 crore each month.

What Is ‘Digital Arrest’?
‘Digital arrest’ is a growing scam tactic where victims are tricked into believing they are under investigation and must remain online 24/7. They’re told not to speak to anyone and are systematically manipulated into transferring funds to “verify” their identity.

Despite repeated police advisories clarifying that no such legal concept exists, many—especially elderly or less tech-savvy individuals—fall prey to the psychological manipulation.

Authorities have urged the public to be cautious and immediately report such suspicious interactions. “There is no such thing as digital arrest. Law enforcement will never ask for money transfers or constant online contact,” Sharma added.

The case serves as a grim reminder of the emotional and financial toll cyber frauds continue to inflict, particularly on vulnerable citizens.