Two Arrested in ₹15 Crore Digital Scam Targeting Belagavi Businessman
Karnataka: 2 arrested for duping Belagavi businessman of over ₹15 crore in ‘digital arrest’ scam
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
Two individuals were arrested in Hyderabad for defrauding an 81-year-old businessman in Belagavi, Karnataka, of over ₹15 crore in a 'digital arrest' scam. The fraudsters posed as Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials, coercing the victim into transferring funds under false pretenses.
- 01Two suspects arrested in Hyderabad for a major scam.
- 02An 81-year-old businessman lost over ₹15 crore.
- 03Fraudsters posed as CBI officials to intimidate the victim.
- 04Investigation revealed multiple beneficiary accounts across India.
- 05The victim reported the crime after growing suspicious.
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In a significant case of fraud, two men, Venkatesh Sharath Naik and Degavat Sripada Naik, both from Hyderabad, were arrested for their involvement in a 'digital arrest' scam that targeted an 81-year-old businessman in Belagavi, Karnataka. The victim lost over ₹15 crore after being coerced by fraudsters posing as Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials. They falsely accused him of money laundering and threatened arrest, convincing him to share his financial details and transfer funds to a 'safe account.' The police launched an investigation on March 18, leading to the identification of ten beneficiary accounts across various states, including Delhi, Punjab, and Gujarat. A critical breakthrough came from a ₹2 crore transfer to a Hyderabad account, prompting a raid on April 6 that resulted in the suspects' arrests. The investigation continues as authorities seek to apprehend an additional accomplice who remains at large.
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This scam highlights the vulnerabilities of senior citizens to online fraud and the need for increased awareness and protection measures.
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