Four Arrested in Cheating Case Involving Impersonation of CJI and CBI Officers in Ahmedabad

In a shocking incident that highlights the increasing sophistication of cybercrime, four individuals were arrested by the Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Police on Wednesday for allegedly defrauding an elderly resident out of a staggering ₹1.26 crore. The accused reportedly impersonated high-ranking officials, including officers from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and even the Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, to carry out their deceitful scheme.

The police detailed that the fraud began on October 7, when the victim, a senior citizen living alone in Ahmedabad, received multiple calls from the perpetrators. Posing as police officers, the scammers created a sense of urgency by claiming that large transactions exceeding ₹2 crore had been made from his bank account. They instilled fear by threatening the victim with immediate arrest on charges of money laundering and a potential prison sentence of five years.

Exploiting the man’s vulnerability as a senior citizen without close relatives, the scammers manipulated him into believing that cooperation would lead to leniency. They assured him that if he assisted with their "investigation" through a video call, they would file a request in the Supreme Court of India to prevent his arrest.

Feeling cornered and anxious, the victim complied with their demands. Over a series of video calls, the fraudsters pressured him into revealing sensitive bank account details. They further coerced him into liquidating his fixed deposit, which led to the transfer of ₹1.26 crore into their accounts. They falsely assured him that his funds would be returned within 48 hours after a supposed verification process.

To add a layer of authenticity to their claims, the scammers even fabricated a fake certificate featuring the official masthead of the Supreme Court of India. This document was likely intended to bolster their credibility and convince the victim of the legitimacy of their operation.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Mohammedali Javedali Patawat, Tarunsinh Shyam Vaghela, Brijesh Bharat Parekh, and Shubham Rajkumar Thakar. Authorities are continuing their investigation to uncover any additional victims and to track the flow of the stolen funds.

This alarming case serves as a stark reminder of the lengths to which cybercriminals will go to exploit unsuspecting individuals, particularly the elderly. The Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Police have urged citizens to remain vigilant and to verify the identities of anyone requesting personal or financial information, especially when threats of legal action are involved.

As cybercrime continues to evolve, awareness and education remain crucial in safeguarding against such fraudulent schemes.