In Gandhinagar, Gujarat, cybercriminals perpetrated a high-profile fraud, swindling an elderly man out of ₹19.24 crore. The fraudsters, posing as officials from government agencies, threatened the victim with "digital arrest" and extorted a substantial sum in installments over three months. In connection with the case, a businessman from Surat has been arrested after ₹1 crore was transferred to his bank account.
Elderly Man Targeted
The case began in March 2025. The victim received a phone call informing him that his mobile number had been used for objectionable activities and that he faced serious allegations such as money laundering and income tax violations. The cyber fraudsters, through video and audio calls, identified themselves as officials from law enforcement agencies, stating that action could be taken against him.
Under constant fear and threats, the victim transferred approximately ₹19.24 crore to more than 30 different bank accounts over three months. This fraud was carried out in a very well-planned manner, in which the victim was mentally intimidated.
Accused Businessman Arrested
Gandhinagar CID (Crime) Superintendent of Police, Dharmendra Sharma, stated that Lalji Baldania, a 30-year-old businessman from Surat, has been arrested in connection with the case. The investigation revealed that a sum of ₹1 crore from the fraud was deposited into Baldania's bank account.
During interrogation, the accused revealed that he had come into contact with some cybercriminals in Noida. At their behest, he used his bank account registered under the name 'Murlidhar Manufacturing' to receive the fraudulent funds.
Currently, the police are working to identify other bank account holders and the cyber fraudsters who made the calls. Officials say that the entire network will be exposed soon.
New Trend of Digital Arrest
Police say that this is a new cyber fraud method, which is being called 'Digital Arrest'. In this, fraudsters first convince the victim that they have committed a serious digital crime, then force them to continuously pay money by threatening them with a fake arrest.
This case highlights the increasing dangers of cyber fraud and the complexity of technological crimes. The police have warned the general public not to trust any unknown calls or messages and to immediately inform the Cyber Crime Cell if they receive any kind of threat.
