PANAJI
The Cyber Crime police have arrested a jeweller from Andhra Pradesh for allegedly duping a Siolim woman of Rs 1 crore through a sophisticated cybercrime scam -- digital arrest. The fraud, which has become rampant across India to scare and loot victims, saw its ninth case registered with Goa Police so far.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Akshat Ayush (IPS) revealed that the victim was kept under digital arrest by an impersonator posing as a Delhi Crime Branch inspector. The offense occurred between December 26-28, 2024.
“The fraudster falsely claimed that a police complaint was lodged against her and even sent forged documents bearing the name of the Supreme Court of India to substantiate his claims. She was compelled to transfer Rs 1 crore in different transactions in three different bank accounts,” the officer said, disclosing the case details.
After a detailed investigation, the police identified one of the recipients as Yaramala Venkateswarlu, 53, a resident of Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, who runs a jewellery business and holds a masters degree in Chemistry. He was subsequently traced and arrested by the Cyber Crime Cell team.
The ASP disclosed that Rs 40 lakh of the total amount was found in one of Venkateswarlu’s bank accounts, which has since been frozen.
The officer cautioned citizens about the modus operandi used in such scams, wherein victims are falsely placed under digital arrest and pressurized into paying large sums of money.
The Cyber Crime Cell has urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the Cyber Crime Police Station in Ribandar.
“The public is advised to be cautious of such fraudulent calls claiming to be Police or ED and demand money. Before transferring money it is always advised to cross check the bank a/c holders name and to immediately approach local police station of Cyber Crime PS, Ribandar,” he said.
