Hyderabad Retired Medical Officer Loses Rs 36 Lakh in Fake ED Digital Arrest Scam

Written By : Rumela De Sarkar Published On 2025-12-14T15:45:22+05:30 | Updated On 14 Dec 2025 3:45 PM IST

Senior Citizen in Hyderabad Falls Victim to Elaborate Cyber Scam

Hyderabad: In a recent case of cyber fraud, a 61-year-old retired government medical officer from Hyderabad was cheated of Rs 36 lakh by cybercriminals posing as Mumbai Crime Branch and Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials. The fraudsters trapped him in a fake money-laundering case and coerced him into transferring funds for verification. A complaint had since been launched with the Cyber Crime Police Station, Cyberabad.

According to the news reports, the ordeal began on November 26, when the 61-year-old doctor received a phone call from the accused claiming to be an investigating officer with the Mumbai Crime Branch. The caller alleged that an anti-money laundering case had been registered in the doctor’s name and that several bank accounts were opened using his identity to transfer funds abroad on behalf of a man.

Shocked, the victim denied any involvement, but the caller insisted that a “higher-level investigation” would follow. He then forced the doctor into a video call and demanded all bank details and balances. The caller repeatedly threatened to arrest him and “keep him in custody for 90 days,” reports Deccan Chronicle.

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During the fraud, the victim was connected to another fraudster claiming to be an IPS officer. This caller claimed he was sparing the doctor only because he was a senior citizen, but instructed him to remain on a continuous video call. He warned that the case involved the ED and was a “national secret,” further intimidating the victim.

The doctor was told he had been placed under “digital arrest,” and any disobedience would lead to immediate action by the ED, Income Tax Department, and CBI under “Supreme Court guidance.”

The fraudsters further linked the allegations to an international women-trafficking network and told the doctor that several transactions in his name needed to be “verified.” They instructed him to transfer money to multiple bank accounts, assuring him that the funds would be refunded once the verification was complete.

Days later, the fraudster contacted him again, stating that verification was still underway and that even the doctor’s land and gold needed to be “checked.” He threatened that unless the victim paid Rs 1 crore, he would be arrested. The caller even claimed that he would personally visit the doctor’s home for verification.

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According to the Deccan Chronicle, when the victim resisted and began questioning them, the callers stopped responding. Realising he had been duped, he approached the police, seeking recovery of his Rs 36 lakh and action against the fraudsters. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the IT Act, and further investigation into the incident is underway.

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Rumela De Sarkar

With a keen interest in storytelling and a dedication to uncovering facts, Rumela De Sarkar joined Medical Dialogues as a Correspondent in 2024. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of North Bengal. Rumela covers a wide range of healthcare topics, including medical news, policy updates, and developments related to doctors, hospitals, and medical education