Gujarat-Doctor-Tricked-into-Losing-Rs.-19-Crore-in-Digital-Arrest-Scam

For 103 Days, Every Step Was Watched; Doctor Forced to Send Rs. 19 Crore to Fraudsters Disguised as Cops

A senior doctor from Gandhinagar, Gujarat, became the target of a meticulously planned digital arrest scam, leading to a financial loss of Rs. 19.24 crore. The case has shocked investigators with its complexity and scale.

The scam began in mid-March 2025 when the doctor received a call claiming her mobile number was linked to illegal activity. The caller accused her of being involved in money laundering. She was told her phone services would be suspended and legal action would follow unless she complied.

Fraudsters Posed as Officials and Maintained Constant Pressure

Soon, multiple individuals posing as public prosecutors, police sub-inspectors, notary officials, and telecom department staff began contacting her through WhatsApp, Skype, and regular calls. These fake officials used intimidation, fabricated documents, and continuous psychological threats to convince her she was under investigation.

Over 103 days, the doctor was kept under digital surveillance. The scammers demanded her presence on video calls and tracked her movements. Under constant fear and pressure, she liquidated all possible sources of funds.

She broke her fixed deposits, sold gold ornaments, took loans against her gold, and even sold a property. Each transaction was carried out under the illusion that the money was being held for verification and would be returned after the inquiry. Altogether, the funds were transferred to 35 different bank accounts.

Investigation Uncovers Network Behind the Scam

The crime surfaced when the calls stopped abruptly in early July. The doctor, sensing something was wrong, alerted her family. A complaint was lodged with the Gujarat CID on July 16. The cybercrime unit quickly launched an investigation into this high-value cyber fraud.

Authorities arrested a 30-year-old businessman from Surat, Lalji Jayantibhai Baldaniya. His account had received Rs. 1 crore of the stolen funds. He allegedly met the scammers in Noida and allowed them to use his business account, registered under Murlidhar Manufacturing.

Investigators are now mapping the digital trail to identify other people involved. They believe this case could be one of the biggest cyber scams targeting an individual in India.

The Gujarat CID continues its efforts to recover the stolen money. The remaining amount remains scattered across multiple accounts, most of them opened using forged documents or rented credentials.

This shows the increasing threat posed by digital arrest scams and the tactics of fraudsters that feed on fear, manipulation, and advanced social engineering. Cybersecurity analysts advise people to always verify the caller's identity if the person threatens them legally over the phone, and in such cases, they should report immediately to their local police.