Former MLA loses Rs 30 lakh in digital arrest scam

BENGALURU: Former MLA Gundappa Vakil from Aurad Assembly constituency has fallen victim to a digital arrest scam, and ended up losing Rs 30 lakh. The scammers, posing as CBI and ED officials, and a judge, convinced Vakil that he was involved in a money laundering case related to Jet Airways founder Naresh Goel.

The scam began on August 12, when Vakil received a call from someone claiming to be a CBI officer, alleging his involvement in the case. The next day, another person called, claiming to be a CBI DCP, and told Vakil that he was under digital arrest.

The scammers then presented Vakil to a fake judge online, creating a courtroom setup to gain his trust. Vakil transferred Rs 10 lakh by writing a letter stating that it was not his fault and the scamsters later demanded Rs 20 lakh for “property investigation”. Vakil transferred a total of Rs 30.99 lakhs in stages, believing he would get his money back after the “investigation” was completed.

When the scammers disappeared with the money, Vakil filed a complaint with the Bengaluru Cyber Crime police (CEN), who have registered an FIR and are conducting further investigations.