Did Delhi Police Capture Two Suspects in a ₹15 Crore Digital Fraud Targeting NRI Doctors?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Delhi Police arrested two suspects in a major cyber fraud case.
- The fraud involved an NRI doctor couple from Greater Kailash.
- The scheme swindled nearly ₹15 crore.
- Cybercriminals impersonated law enforcement to deceive the victims.
- The incident underscores the rising threat of cybercrime targeting vulnerable populations.
New Delhi, Jan 17 (NationPress) - The Delhi Police successfully nabbed two suspects from Gujarat in a sensational case of cyber fraud aimed at an NRI (non-Resident Indian) doctor couple living in Greater Kailash. The accused, identified as Divyank Patel and Shitoli, were captured in Vadodara and subsequently transported to Delhi for interrogation.
Authorities revealed that the duo was pivotal in executing a scheme that swindled nearly ₹15 crore.
This development marks a significant advancement in what law enforcement has labeled as one of the most appalling instances of “digital arrest” in recent memory.
The victims, an elderly medical couple who relocated back from the United States in 2016, found themselves allegedly confined digitally for over two weeks.
Cybercriminals impersonating law enforcement maintained persistent communication with them through video calls, surveilling their actions and barring them from leaving their residence or interacting with anyone.
Under the guise of an “asset investigation,” the couple was pressured to transfer their funds to various bank accounts, with promises that the money would be refunded once the investigation concluded.
However, when the funds were not returned, the couple understood they had been deceived and filed a complaint with the Delhi Police.
The fraudulent activities reportedly occurred between December 24 and January 9, during which the suspects masterminded this intricate scheme.
This incident has sparked widespread alarm, shedding light on the escalating threat of cybercrime and the susceptibility of elderly individuals to sophisticated scams.
An e-FIR was lodged on Saturday, leading the Cyber Crime Unit of Delhi Police to initiate a prompt investigation.
Officials stressed that this case illustrates how criminals exploit technology to exert psychological pressure on their victims, effectively placing them under a form of “digital arrest.”
Police sources have confirmed that further inquiries are in progress to identify additional accomplices and reclaim the diverted funds.
Authorities have urged the public to stay alert against such deceitful tactics and to promptly report any dubious communications claiming to originate from government or law enforcement entities.