Retired scientist Sukdev Nandi lost Rs 1.29 crore after being manipulated by fraudsters posing as CBI officers.
Accused funneled money through a corporate account, with 871 crypto units sent via Binance as part of scam proceeds.
UP STF arrested two suspects in Lucknow; ongoing probe seeks to uncover more members of the cyber fraud ring.
In a shocking case of cyber fraud, a retired scientist from Delhi had been duped of Rs 1.29 crore in a digital arrest scam. Fraudsters posing as officers of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have threatened the victim with fabricated claims, pressuring him into transferring his life savings to avoid further legal actions. The victim, identified as Sukdev Nandi, has transferred the funds over several transactions, fearing arrest and reputational damage. He was manipulated into believing he was under investigation by the CBI.
SurveyAs per reports, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has arrested two men, Pradeep Kumar Singh and Mahfooz, from the Shaheed Path area in Lucknow in connection with the scam, after a complaint was filed in Bareilly.
According to officials, one of the accused, Pradeep Kumar Singh, is the director of Narayani Infra Developer Private Limited. During the investigation, it was discovered that the defrauded funds had been transferred to the company’s ICICI Bank corporate account. Not only this, but Singh allegedly received 871 units of cryptocurrency as part of his compensation for carrying out the scam, transferred via the Binance platform.
The second accused, Mahfooz, received Rs 9 lakh from the swindled amount in his personal bank account. Officials believe the funds were layered and converted into digital currency to obscure the money trail.
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The case, initially registered in Bareilly, is being probed by the Bareilly Cyber Crime Cell. STF officials are actively probing other suspects expected to be involved in the wider fraud network.
Authorities have once again urged citizens, particularly senior citizens and retirees, to exercise caution and avoid falling prey to threatening calls from individuals claiming to be law enforcement or government officials.
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Himani Jha
Himani Jha is a tech news writer at Digit. Passionate about smartphones and consumer technology, she has contributed to leading publications such as Times Network, Gadgets 360, and Hindustan Times Tech for the past five years. When not immersed in gadgets, she enjoys exploring the vibrant culinary scene, discovering new cafes and restaurants, and indulging in her love for fine literature and timeless music. View Full Profile
