Cyber fraudsters rob former MD of millions

In a chilling tale of deception, a 73-year-old former managing director of a global conglomerate’s mining division was swindled out of Rs 70 lakh by cyber fraudsters in Mumbai. The perpetrators, posing as senior officers from the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) Delhi and the National Investigation Agency (NIA), wove an intricate web of lies, exploiting fear and authority to manipulate their victim. This audacious scam, reported on September 29, 2025, by Mumbai Police, highlights the growing menace of cybercrime targeting unsuspecting individuals.

The victim, a retiree living in the upscale Parel area of Central Mumbai, had enjoyed a distinguished career until his retirement in March 2022. On the afternoon of September 25, his peaceful routine was shattered by a call from a woman claiming to be from the ATS Control Room in New Delhi. With an air of urgency, she informed him that his name had surfaced in a high-profile investigation linked to the Pahalgam terror attack. Alleging that the ATS had conducted searches in Mumbai, she claimed the retired executive was among suspects—including builders, industrialists, and bureaucrats—accused of aiding terrorists. The threat was clear: visit the ATS Delhi office or face frozen bank accounts.

The scam escalated when the victim received a video call from a man dressed in an IPS officer’s uniform, posing as an Inspector General from the NIA. With chilling confidence, the fraudster claimed an arrest warrant had been issued in the victim’s name, even sending a photo of the forged document to his phone. The impostor accused the retiree of involvement in a money laundering case, warning that his every move was under surveillance. To further intimidate, the fraudster demanded the victim’s biodata and political ideology, promising a follow-up call from a superior.

The next day, September 26, another call came from a man posing as a senior official. This time, the fraudster probed into the victim’s savings and investments, claiming the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) required verification to ensure the funds were legitimate. Under pressure, the retiree was coerced into transferring Rs 70 lakh in three installments to various bank accounts provided by the scammers. Once the money was sent, the fraudsters vanished, cutting off all contact.

Realizing he had been duped, the shaken victim approached the Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Marg police station in Central Mumbai. A case was promptly registered against three unidentified persons under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act, with charges including impersonation, identity theft, and posing as government servants. Mumbai Police have launched a thorough investigation to track down the culprits behind this sophisticated scam.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the evolving tactics used by cybercriminals, who exploit authority and fear to prey on even the most accomplished individuals. As the probe continues, authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and verify any suspicious claims before taking action.