VASCO
An unidentified group of individuals impersonating as CBI and MIDC officers allegedly cheated a woman from Gujarat but residing at Verna of Rs 4.04 lakh.
The incident took place on December 30, 2024, in Verna, where the complainant was contacted via WhatsApp video call by the accused.
The fraudsters claimed that the complainant’s phone number, linked to her Aadhaar card, was involved in illegal activities such as money laundering, human trafficking, and kidnapping. They falsely informed her that an FIR had been registered against her. To further intimidate her, a second individual, posing as a CBI officer, contacted the complainant and sent a fabricated arrest warrant and seizure order.
The accused demanded money to prove her innocence, threatening to arrest her and her minor daughter if she did not comply.
Fearing for her safety, the woman made three separate payments totalling Rs 4,04,998/- through UPI and bank transfers.
A complaint was lodged with Verna Police, and an FIR has been registered under sections 318(4), 319(2) of the BNS and Section 66-D of the IT Act.
Investigation is currently underway, led by PI Anand Shirodkar of Verna Police Station, under the supervision of Mormugao DySP Gurudas Kadam.
