Cybercriminals tricked and mentally trapped a woman doctor from Gandhinagar for three months, causing her to lose ₹19.24 crore in one of Gujarat’s biggest cybercrime cases. The scam involved threats, fake legal charges, and international fraud links that stretched as far as Cambodia.
How It Started
On March 19, the doctor received a video call from someone pretending to be a law enforcement officer. The caller accused her of breaking rules under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The threats of arrest and legal action scared her into complying with the scammers’ demands.
For the next three months, the woman doctor lived in fear. The scammers monitored her through video calls and constantly threatened her with fake arrest warrants. The criminals manipulated her so much that she didn’t contact her family or the police.
The Financial Loss
To avoid the fake legal troubles, the doctor ended up selling almost all her assets, including:
- Her house
- Personal gold and jewelry
- Fixed deposits
- Shares and investments
She transferred ₹19.24 crore to 35 different bank accounts across states like Maharashtra and Rajasthan. These accounts were used to make the money trail harder to follow.
Major Breakthrough in the Case
The Gujarat Cyber Crime Cell traced ₹1 crore from the stolen amount to an account owned by Lalji Baldaniya from Surat and arrested him. They are now questioning him. Police believe he is part of a bigger fraud network that operates both within India and abroad.
The Scam Technique
Here’s how the criminals carried out the scam:
- They made the first contact through a fake video call.
- They sent fake legal notices to scare the victim.
- They watched her every move using digital tools.
- They forced her to make money transfers, pretending it was part of a legal process.
Cambodia Link: An International Crime Ring?
During their investigation, the police discovered clues linking the scam to cybercrime groups based in Cambodia. These groups use internet phone services (VoIP), temporary digital wallets, and fake accounts to hide their identity and make it harder for law enforcement to track them.
Current Status of the Investigation
The authorities formed a special team to investigate the fraud more deeply.So far:
- Over 12 suspicious bank accounts have been frozen.
- Multiple arrests are expected soon.
- Authorities are working with global cybercrime agencies and Interpol for help from Cambodia.
The Victim’s Emotional Struggle
More than just money was lost. The woman doctor went through extreme mental stress. The scammers isolated her from her family and repeatedly threatened her with fake documents and evidence. Scared of losing her career and reputation, the woman remained silent—until the situation became unbearable.
What Is a “Digital Arrest”?
Scammers now use a new method called digital arrest to convince victims they are under legal surveillance. The fraudsters act like real officers and use fake IDs, legal letters, and video calls to scare people into following orders.
Government Action and Public Awareness
After this case, Gujarat police have started a campaign to make people more aware of such scams. Citizens are being taught how to:
- Spot fake legal threats
- Identify fraud video calls
- Report cybercrimes quickly
- Stay connected with family during stressful situations
The Ministry of Home Affairs has also advised everyone to verify legal claims through official websites or in-person visits before taking any action.
Key Takeaways from This Cyber Fraud
- Never act on threats received through calls or video chats.
- Double-check any legal notice before transferring money.
- Speak to family or friends if something feels suspicious.
- Report scams to your local cybercrime cell.
- Use strong passwords, multi-step verification, and safe apps.
This case is a serious warning about how smart and professional these cybercriminals have become. Even well-educated people like doctors are being tricked. With stronger laws, better tech security, and public awareness, we can fight these scams and make the internet safer for everyone.
Also read: Google Indexes ChatGPT Chats, Exposing Private Data
