Elderly Chennai Man Duped of ₹44 Lakh in ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam; Assistant Bank Manager Among Two Newly Arrested in CCB Probe
The Central Crime Branch (CCB) police have arrested two additional suspects — including an assistant bank manager — in connection with a sophisticated ‘digital arrest’ scam through which an elderly Chennai resident was defrauded of ₹44 lakh.
How the Scam Unfolded
The victim, 83-year-old Pattabi from Virugambakkam, reportedly received repeated WhatsApp video calls between September 1 and 12 from a man who introduced himself as “Inspector Shankar” from the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Crime Branch, Mumbai.
The caller claimed that Pattabi was under investigation for illegal money transfers and possession of illicit funds.
Using intimidation tactics, he threatened the senior citizen with immediate arrest if he failed to cooperate.
To gain credibility, the scammer manipulated the caller ID display and used fake police insignia during the video calls — a technique commonly seen in digital arrest scams nationwide.
He convinced the victim that the only way to “verify” his innocence was to temporarily transfer his life savings to a so-called “Reserve Bank verification account,” promising that the money would be returned after validation.
Terrified and believing the scammer’s narrative, Pattabi transferred a total of ₹44 lakh — his entire savings and fixed deposits — in two RTGS payments.
When he later attempted to contact the caller for updates, the fraudster demanded more money.
Realizing he had been trapped in a cyber-financial crime, the victim approached the Chennai Police Commissioner and complained.
The Probe and Financial Trail
The Cyber Crime Wing launched an investigation and traced ₹40.35 lakh of the stolen amount to an IndusInd Bank account in Telangana.
The funds were rapidly dispersed through multiple linked accounts across several states, and large sums were withdrawn through cheques to obfuscate the money trail — a typical laundering method in cyber fraud networks.
The inquiry showed that the gang transferred portions of the money overseas on the very same day, indicating an organized interstate and possibly international cybercrime ring.
Investigators uncovered that ₹5.1 lakh originated from an account in Sholinghur, Ranipet district.
They also traced ₹80 lakh that had circulated across accounts operated by two individuals — Lakshmanan (38) and Medi Sivakumar (41), both residents of Sholinghur.
They were arrested on October 10, and the linked bank accounts were frozen.
Fresh Arrests and Bank Insider Angle
Further investigation revealed a disturbing link — an insider from the banking system.
R. Ramachandramurthy (30), Assistant Manager (Sales & Marketing) at a private bank’s Anna Salai branch, allegedly facilitated the opening of multiple bank accounts knowingly used by the scam syndicate to receive fraud proceeds.
Police believe he played a crucial role in enabling the seamless flow of illicit funds.
Another accused, Mohammed Musfiq (20) from Ramanathapuram, acted as a “money mule facilitator,” helping move the scammed money across accounts and aiding in withdrawals.
Both suspects were arrested in Chennai on Friday, October 26, 2025. Police seized two phones and ten SIM cards used for fraudulent transactions and communication with victims.
Ongoing Investigation
The police emphasize that the network operates across states and has foreign money routes, suggesting involvement of an organized cybercrime syndicate.
Investigations are underway to identify additional accomplices, including those operating from outside India and handlers orchestrating the fraud.
Authorities have urged the public, especially senior citizens, to remain vigilant and avoid responding to unsolicited calls from individuals claiming to be police.
RBI officers, or enforcement officials. No government agency ever demands money transfers for “verification,” they stressed.
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