In a shocking incident, SP Oswal, chairman of the Vardhman Group, India, fell victim to a scam that cost him over INR 7 crore. The 82-year-old businessman was tricked into believing he was under investigation for money laundering, with scammers posing as officials from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and even impersonating Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud. Through fake court setups, police uniforms, and ID cards, the conmen convinced Oswal that his “digital arrest” was legitimate.
This case is part of a growing trend where scammers create fear and panic in victims’ minds, leading them to comply with demands for money. Experts have highlighted that the fear psychosis these scammers create makes even well-informed individuals vulnerable to such tactics.
Oswal is not the only Indian high-profile victim; a lawyer from Bengaluru, and a doctor in Noida were also similarly duped. The lawyer, in particular, was forced to undergo a fake “narcotics test,” strip on camera, and lost INR 14 lakh in the process.
Cyber law expert Pawan Duggal explains that “digital arrest” refers to a scam where victims are made to believe they are under investigation for serious crimes.
Scammers use fake props and legal threats to intimidate their targets into handing over large sums of money. Victims are often coerced into keeping their cameras and microphones on at all times, further intensifying the pressure.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued warnings about these scams and urged citizens to report suspicious calls on the cybercrime helpline (1930) or via their website.
Authorities are working with agencies like the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to combat the growing threat of cyber scams. Experts also stress that there is no legal provision for “digital arrest” and advise people to verify suspicious calls through official channels.
