An elderly businessman in Belagavi has been duped by cyber fraudsters and lost ₹15 crore in a case of so-called “digital arrest,” leaving him deeply distressed.
According to reports, the fraudsters contacted the victim via video call, claiming his bank account was linked to a money laundering case. They threatened him with legal action and instructed him to transfer funds to another account, assuring that the money would be returned after the investigation.
Believing their claims, the businessman transferred ₹15 crore in multiple transactions. When the fraudsters later became unreachable, he grew suspicious.
The incident occurred on March 18, following which the victim lodged a complaint at the Belagavi City CEN police station. Police have since frozen several accounts linked to the fraud, including those holding ₹90 lakh.
The Belagavi Police Commissioner has constituted a special team to track down the accused and has urged the public to report such cyber threats without fear.
