Cybercriminals impersonate CBI, extort Rs.15 lakh from retired Army officer in Meerut

In a shocking case of cyber fraud, a retired army officer from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, was digitally "arrested" by cybercriminals posing as officers from the Delhi Crime Branch and CBI. Over four harrowing days, the criminals extorted ₹15 lakh from the 78-year-old, threatening him with accusations of human trafficking and organ smuggling.

The incident began on November 8, when the victim received a video call from someone claiming to be a customer care executive. The call was "transferred" to another person who introduced himself as an officer from the Delhi Crime Branch. The victim was falsely accused of involvement in a horrifying crime—smuggling 17 children abroad, who were allegedly killed for their organs.

The fraudsters escalated the threat by stating that the case had been handed over to the CBI. They claimed that ₹6.80 crore was required to recover the bodies of the children and warned the victim of legal action unless he cooperated. Terrified by the accusations, the elderly man transferred ₹15 lakh to the accounts provided by the criminals.

The victim, a resident of Shastrinagar in Meerut’s Nauchandi area, is a retired army officer whose son is a prominent sports businessman in the city. After realizing he had been duped, he lodged a complaint with the SSP's office and reported the matter to the cybercrime helpline.

Cyber experts have confirmed that the criminals used a mix of psychological pressure and impersonation tactics to manipulate the victim. By posing as authoritative officials, they capitalized on the victim's fear of legal repercussions and his trust in government institutions.

This incident highlights the increasing sophistication of cybercrime in India, particularly targeting elderly individuals who may not be fully aware of such scams. Authorities have assured the victim that they are investigating the matter, and steps are being taken to trace the perpetrators.

Experts warn the public to verify the authenticity of any unexpected calls or messages claiming to be from law enforcement or government agencies. Cybercrime cases like these underscore the urgent need for greater awareness and digital literacy to prevent such scams.