NRI couple loses Rs 14.85 crore in one of India’s costliest digital arrest frauds

NRI couple loses Rs 14.85 crore in one of India’s costliest digital arrest frauds

Mangalore Today News Network/ News18

New Delhi, January 12, 2026: After serving in the US for over 40 years, a 77-year-old IITian and his doctor wife returned to India with the intention of contributing to the nation through their NGO. However, a cyber fraud forced them to reconsider and think about returning to the US.

One of India’s costliest “digital arrest" scams wiped out the couple’s lifetime earnings, as they lost Rs 14.85 crore in nearly 15 days. A single phone call shattered their dreams of living in India, and they are now fighting to recover their money.

On 24 December, the wife received a call from a person claiming to be a police officer. The caller introduced himself as an IPS officer and told her that her number was involved in offensive and abusive calls. Later, the fake officer also invoked PMLA and threatened them, claiming the matter was linked to national security. The husband was also warned.

The elderly couple was defrauded by people posing as officials of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Delhi Police is now investigating the matter, and a case has been registered.

Non-stop surveillance day and night

The couple stated that from 24 November till 9 December, they were kept under constant surveillance through their phones and were instructed not to disconnect and to keep their phones charged.

“The fake officer told us not to disconnect and keep the phones charged. He remained connected 24*7 through phones. In fact, when I mentioned we had to take my husband for a walk due to his medical condition, the officer asked us to keep the phone on. Our phone used to remain on even while sleeping in our bedroom,” the wife said.

‘Matter of national security’

When asked why they did not inform anyone while transferring money continuously, the couple said the officer told them it was a matter of national security and that they could not share any information, not even with their driver who stayed with them at all times.

“They told us the case was linked to national security and that we had to transfer money, which would later be returned. We were also asked to keep it secret, which they monitored through our phones and laptops,” the husband said.

Transferred money from mutual funds

Asked how they managed to arrange such a large amount quickly, the couple explained it was their lifetime savings. They transferred the money in parts, nearly Rs 2 crore each time, by withdrawing from their mutual funds and handing it over.

“It was our hard-earned lifetime money. We transferred the money in parts, almost 2 crore each time, by withdrawing our mutual funds and handing it over,” the husband said.

Crooks told them to visit the police station

According to the couple, the fraudster told them to visit the nearest police station only after the fraud was complete, which is when they realized they had been cheated.

“On 9th December, the fake IPS officer instructed us to visit the police station to get the money back. He even dictated what to tell the cops, citing a PMLA 2002 case,” the wife explained.

Fake IPS scolded real inspector

When she reached the police station, her phone was still connected. Initially, she met two policemen who were unaware of the PMLA angle. She was then asked to meet the SHO.

“My phone was still on, and the fake officer could hear everything. When I met the SHO and asked her to speak with him, he started scolding her and abused her. But the officer stood her ground and told us we had been scammed,” she said.

‘No recovery will force us to leave India’

Asked whether they plan to leave the country after the incident, the husband said they may have no choice if the money is not recovered.

“If there is no recovery, we will be left with no option other than leaving. We came here to serve since India gave us so much. But after this incident, we have no money or options left and may have to move back,” he said.

Courtesy: News18