Bengaluru, Nov 18 (NationPress) The Karnataka Home Minister, G. Parameshwara, announced on Tuesday that the state government would pursue strong action regarding the online fraud case involving the digital arrest of a 57-year-old tech professional from Bengaluru, who has lost an astounding Rs 31.83 crore.

Parameshwara confirmed this incident as the largest online financial fraud reported in Karnataka, emphasizing that those responsible for the digital arrest would face severe consequences.

During a press conference, he revealed that the scam unfolded over more than a year, with approximately 187 transactions from the victim’s bank account. “She could have approached the police at any point, and had she done so sooner, she might have avoided this significant loss,” he stated.

He acknowledged that the state had never seen a case of digital arrest of this magnitude before. “We are addressing this case with utmost seriousness and will track down those at fault,” he assured.

“If she only realized the fraud after transferring such a large sum, it highlights the profound impact the scam had on her. Now that this case is public, we are treating it with the seriousness it deserves. This is the largest online fraud reported in our state and the first notable case of digital arrest with such a substantial amount siphoned off,” Parameshwara explained.

The Home Minister also referenced another incident where individuals in Karnataka had virtually detained people in the United States, noting that this method was familiar to local investigators.

The shocking incident came to light on Monday when it was revealed that the Bengaluru tech professional had been duped out of Rs 31.83 crore by cybercriminals, who held her in a digital arrest for over six months.

After filing a complaint at Bengaluru’s East Cyber Crime Police Station, authorities commenced a search for the gang.

The victim had transferred Rs 31.83 crore across 187 transactions, depleting nearly all her savings and deposits, except for her fixed deposits. The fraudsters repeatedly assured her that the funds would be returned by February, but constantly postponed the deadline with various excuses.

Feeling skeptical, the victim finally reported the crime to the cybercrime police on November 14. In her complaint, she mentioned that due to her son’s marriage, she was unable to seek police assistance earlier.

According to police reports, the cybercriminals confined the victim under digital arrest for more than six months, severing contact after extracting the funds.

The ordeal began on September 15, 2024, when she received a call from someone claiming to represent a reputable courier service, informing her that a parcel addressed to her — containing three credit cards, four passports, and illegal MDMA — had arrived at a courier center in Andheri, Mumbai.

The victim clarified that she resided in Bengaluru and had no knowledge of the parcel. The caller then warned her that since the package was linked to her mobile number, it could be related to cyber fraud, and she needed to file a complaint. Before she could respond, her call was transferred to another person claiming to be an officer from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The fraudsters prevented her from contacting law enforcement or seeking legal assistance, convincing her that cybercriminals were surveilling her every move. They later issued direct threats, warning that if she disclosed any information, her entire family would be implicated.

With her son’s wedding approaching, she succumbed to the pressure and complied with their demands. The fraudsters then communicated with her via Skype, introducing themselves as Pradeep Singh, and informed her that another accomplice, Rahul Yadav, would monitor her for a week. During this time, she was confined to her home while the criminals operated remotely from her residence.

On September 23, the perpetrators instructed the victim to declare her assets to the Reserve Bank of India’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). After she revealed her properties and cash, they extorted money from her in stages and even provided a forged clearance certificate.

The police have stated that an investigation is ongoing.