Is Cyber Crime on the Rise? CBI Investigates Rs 1.86 Crore Fraud Involving Kerala Woman
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Synopsis
A shocking incident of cyber fraud has emerged, with a 68-year-old Kerala woman losing Rs 1.86 crore to scammers posing as officials from a non-existent secret agency. The CBI has now taken charge of the investigation following a transfer from local authorities. This case highlights the growing threat of cyber crime in India. Stay informed!
Key Takeaways
- CBI is investigating a major cyber fraud case.
- The victim lost Rs 1.86 crore to scammers.
- Scammers impersonated officials from a non-existent secret agency.
- The investigation was transferred from local police to the CBI.
- Awareness is key to preventing cyber fraud.
New Delhi, Nov 25 (NationPress) The CBI has initiated an investigation into a complaint filed by a woman from Kerala who was scammed out of Rs 1.86 crore last year by cybercriminals impersonating officials from a supposed "secret agency,” according to an official announcement on Tuesday.
Superintendent of Police Astha Modi of the CBI has approved the registration of the FIR regarding this case.
Previously, the High Court of Kerala ruled on May 30 to transfer the investigation from the Kanjirapally Police Station, Kottayam, to the CBI.
The victim, Beena Dominic, aged 68, reported that she received a call on her mobile phone on September 17 from an unidentified individual claiming to be affiliated with a “secret agency,” purportedly established by the Supreme Court of India to probe money laundering and the role of corrupt banking and police officials.
The caller intimidated her by asserting that she was under investigation by the CBI for money laundering linked to her Bombay Canara Bank account and that an arrest warrant had been issued. The caller insisted that she could avoid arrest by cooperating and transferring the necessary funds, as outlined in her complaint, which led to the Kerala Police registering an FIR on September 24, 2024.
In her report, she identified Saleesh Kumar, a 47-year-old resident of Thrissur, along with several bank account holders, as suspects.
The FIR registered by the CBI states, “The caller threatened that the complainant would be arrested, her children would lose their jobs, and that her bank accounts would be frozen. Under the duress created by these threats, the complainant was coerced into transferring significant amounts of money from her accounts.”
The FIR is filed under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Information Technology Act 2000, addressing criminal breach of trust and cheating, among other offenses.
The complainant revealed that she transferred a total of Rs 1.86 crore through multiple transactions between September 17 and September 26, 2024, due to these threats.
The funds were deposited into accounts held by the cybercriminals at Yest Bank, ICICI Bank, and an account with IDFC Bank under the name of Trinity Software Solutions, according to the complaint.
The CBI FIR, which received approval from SP Astha Modi, stated, “In compliance with the High Court of Kerala order, the FIR in Crime No. 1091/2024 from Kanjirapally Police Station, Kottayam, is being re-registered in EO-III, CBI, New Delhi, for further investigation…”
Point of View
I emphasize that incidents of cyber crime are increasingly prevalent, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and public awareness. The CBI's involvement underscores the seriousness of the issue, reminding us that vigilance is essential in our digital interactions. We stand with the victim and hope for swift justice.
NationPress
25/11/2025
