A businessman from Belagavi has allegedly lost Rs 15.45 crore after cyber fraudsters posing as senior Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials trapped him in a sophisticated digital arrest scam.
Police identified the victim as Ajit Gopalakrishna Saraf, who reportedly received a call from a man claiming to be the Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation.
Fraudsters used fear and false charges
According to the complaint, the caller falsely claimed that two SIM cards registered in Saraf’s name were linked to Naresh Goyal and a money laundering investigation.
The fraudster further alleged that Saraf had transferred Rs 25 lakh from his bank account in connection with the case and had earned commission through illegal transactions.
He was then threatened with immediate arrest, imprisonment and legal action unless he fully cooperated.
Rs 15.45 crore transferred over weeks
Police said the victim was subjected to sustained psychological pressure and fear tactics. Believing the threats to be genuine, he transferred Rs 15.45 crore through RTGS transactions between February 7 and March 9, 2026.
The matter came to light after he later realised he had been cheated and approached the cyber crime police station.
Inter-state cyber network suspected
Investigators have identified at least 10 beneficiary bank accounts allegedly used in the fraud. These accounts were traced to multiple states including Hyderabad, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat and West Bengal.
Officials suspect an organised inter-state cybercrime syndicate may be behind the operation.
Police issue warning
Authorities said efforts are underway to trace the accused, freeze suspicious accounts and recover the money.
Police have once again urged citizens not to trust calls claiming to be from agencies demanding money transfers, and to verify such claims through official channels.