Woman loses Rs 11.87 lakh in digital arrest scam in Karnataka

UDUPI/ MANGALURU: A woman fell prey to a digital arrest scam and allegedly lost Rs 11.87 lakh. In a complaint, Pramila, 39, stated that the incident took place at around 9.45 am on Oct 25, when she was at home and received a call.
The caller claimed that a person named Wang Ming Zi had sent a parcel in her name containing 5 kg of clothing, 8 ICICI credit cards, and 700 grams of MDMA drugs. He further informed her that an FIR was filed against her.
He said that he was Manish Kumar, a Senior Executive from DTDC Mumbai, and that the call would be connected to the Mumbai Crime Branch. The victim was then told to join a Skype video call, directing her to download the Skype app from the Play Store and search for the link [email protected]. During the video call and chat, she was asked to send her Aadhaar card details, which she complied with.
Subsequently, the caller sent her an arrest order containing her name, address, and Aadhaar number, threatening her with arrest. He then demanded her bank account details and the balance, causing the complainant to break down and reveal the account information.
Using persistent threats through mobile calls, Skype, and WhatsApp video calls, the accused allegedly extorted a sum of Rs 11.87 lakh from her. A case has been registered under sections 316(2), 318(4), 351(2) BNS, and 66(C), 66(D) of the IT Act at the Shirva police Station.
Victim loses Rs 43.32 lakh in investment scam
Meanwhile, in Mangaluru, a complainant allegedly lost Rs 43.32 lakh in an investment scam after being contacted by a person named Manju Pachisia, who claimed to be an Assistant at IIFL Securities Limited. According to the police, Pachisia reached out via WhatsApp, providing information on shares, IPOs, and IIFL Securities, along with charts showing investment plans promising high returns. The suspect then sent additional links, directing the complainant to attempt an investment with IIFL Securities.
Later, Pachisia shared a Telegram link for further guidance. Maintaining continuous contact, Pachisia persistently encouraged the complainant to invest with IIFL for higher returns. Between Sept 26 and Oct 23, the complainant allegedly transferred a total of Rs 43.32 lakh in multiple instalments into various bank accounts provided by the suspect. When the complainant later requested to withdraw the invested amount, the victim was asked to pay a 25% commission. At this point, upon realising that the victim was being duped, they approached the police. A case has been registered at the CEN police station.