Threatened with arrest in fake money laundering case, couple cheated of Rs 38 lakh; case filed

The fraudster warned him that if he failed to cooperate, he would be arrested soon and his property would be seized. Soon after, the accused started making WhatsApp video calls, appearing in police uniform, and even shared fake arrest warrants and forged documents to make the threat look genuine.

The accused also video-called victim’s wife and threatened her with arrest. Later, another person called from a different number, introducing himself as the CBI director, and further intimidated the couple.

Under continuous pressure and fear, the victims were mentally harassed and kept under constant surveillance through phone and video calls from the evening of January 7 till January 8 evening. The fraudsters instructed them not to step out of their house and to follow every command, effectively putting them under “house arrest”.

Succumbing to the threats, Krishan Chand transferred Rs 38 lakh from his Canara Bank account through RTGS and cheque from his home branch in Zirakpur, Punjab, to accounts provided by the accused.

Later, when the couple realised they had been cheated, they approached the Sector-17 Cyber Crime Police Station and lodged a complaint.

Acting on the complaint, the police registered a case against unknown accused. Officials said the bank accounts, mobile numbers and WhatsApp video calls used in the crime are being technically analysed.

‘Such threats are completely fake’

Police officials have urged the public to remain vigilant and not fall prey to calls from people claiming to be officers of the police, CBI or any government agency.

“No government agency arrests people through phone or video calls. Such threats are completely fake,” a senior police officer said.