Dharwad man arrested in Rs 89 lakh digital extortion scam

The Udupi Cyber Economic and Narcotic Crime (CEN) police have arrested a suspect from Dharwad in connection with a digital extortion case involving Rs 89 lakh. The victim, Kannar Santosh Kumar, reported the fraud after receiving a call on September 11, 2024, from someone claiming to be from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The caller informed him that his mobile number was linked to illegal advertisements and harassing messages, and that 17 FIRs had been filed against him. The victim was told that his contacts would be disconnected within hours and an arrest warrant was issued.

Later, the fraudster made a WhatsApp video call pretending to be a Mumbai-based police inspector, alleging that Santosh Kumar’s bank account was connected to a money laundering case. The scammer claimed that verification of income was necessary and instructed him to provide bank details. Under the pretense of an RBI fund verification, the victim transferred Rs 89 lakh to an account in the State Bank of India.

The caller also falsely stated that the victim was virtually arrested until the process was completed.

Following the complaint, the CEN police initiated an investigation and arrested Kiran, a 24-year-old man from Dharwad, recovering Rs 7 lakh, including Rs 5 lakh in cash and a mobile phone. Additional funds were recovered from accounts linked to the case.

Udupi Police Arrest Digital Fraudster, Recover Rs 7 Lakh in Cash

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