Bengaluru residents are reeling in disbelief after one of the city’s biggest cybercrime cases came to light, involving a 57-year-old senior IT professional who was manipulated into transferring an astonishing ₹31.83 crore to online fraudsters. The case has triggered shockwaves across social media, not just for the crime itself but also for the staggering amount involved—prompting many to ask, “Who even has ₹32 crore lying around?”
Six Months of Psychological Manipulation
The victim, a resident of Indiranagar, was targeted for six relentless months by scammers who impersonated DHL officials and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officers. According to reports, the elaborate scam began on September 15, 2024, with a phone call claiming that a parcel registered in her name had been seized in Mumbai.
The caller alleged that the package contained suspicious items, including passports, credit cards, and narcotics, implying her involvement in illegal activities. When she denied any knowledge, the call was escalated to a man claiming to be a CBI officer, who insisted she was a suspect in a major criminal probe.
Fear, Threats, and Isolation
As per the Deccan Herald report, the scammers used intense psychological pressure to isolate the woman. They convinced her that she was under investigation and warned her against approaching the police or seeking legal help. They further threatened that “real offenders” were monitoring her movements and could harm her family if she disobeyed.
Already anxious—with her son’s wedding approaching—the woman’s fear deepened, making her vulnerable to manipulation.
A Fake ‘Digital House Arrest’
The fraudsters escalated the deception by placing her under what they called a “digital arrest.” She was forced to keep her Skype camera on at all times, monitored constantly by individuals posing as CBI officers Pradeep Singh and Rahul Yadav.
For six months, they controlled her actions, movements, and communication—convincing her that her cooperation was essential to clearing her name.
The Massive Financial Drain
Under continuous psychological pressure, the woman made multiple high-value transfers amounting to ₹31.83 crore into bank accounts dictated by the scammers. The funds were supposedly part of an “investigation compliance process,” a common tactic used in digital arrest fraud.
The illusion collapsed only when the scammers abruptly cut all contact, leaving the woman shocked and financially devastated.
A Crime That Has Stunned Bengaluru
The incident has sparked widespread discussion across the city and online, with many expressing disbelief that an individual could be coerced into parting with such a massive amount. Cybercrime experts note that digital arrest scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, preying on fear, authority, and social isolation.
Law enforcement agencies have warned citizens to remain vigilant and to immediately report calls involving threats, legal accusations, or demands for money—especially when framed as coming from government agencies.
Authorities Investigating
The Bengaluru police have launched a detailed investigation into the case and are tracking the flow of funds to identify the culprits. Cybercrime units are also studying the scammers’ methods to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This case stands as one of the costliest cybercrimes reported in Karnataka, highlighting the growing danger of digital fraud and the need for public awareness, emotional resilience, and immediate verification when confronted with fear-based threats.
