Madhya Pradesh Scientist Loses Rs 71 Lakh in Digital Arrest Scam by Fraudsters Posing as CBI and TRAI Officials

An employee from an institute under the Department of Atomic Energy was swindled out of Rs 71 lakh by fraudsters using a digital arrest scam, according to police in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. This scam involves criminals making audio or video calls, pretending to be law enforcement officers, and confining victims to their homes to deceive them.

A gang member contacted the victim, a scientific assistant at Raja Ramanna Advanced Technology Center (RRCAT), on September 1. Posing as an officer from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the caller alleged that illegal advertisements and messages related to women's harassment were sent using a SIM card issued in the victim's name from Delhi.

Fraudulent Claims and Fear Tactics

The impersonator further claimed that an arrest warrant had been issued against the victim for money laundering and human trafficking. Another gang member pretended to be a CBI officer and conducted a fake interrogation of the RRCAT employee and his wife via video call.

Fearing legal trouble, the victim transferred Rs 71.33 lakh into various accounts provided by the fraudsters. "Efforts are on to nab the accused," stated Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh Dandotia.

The police are actively working to apprehend those responsible for this scam. The incident highlights the growing threat of cyber frauds where criminals exploit technology to deceive unsuspecting individuals.