Navi Mumbai Doctor Defrauded of Rs 26.52 Lakh by Cyber Gang

A Navi Mumbai medical doctor was defrauded of Rs 26.52 lakh by a cyber gang who threatened to implicate him in a fictitious crime involving money laundering and terrorism. The doctor, a Ghansoli resident, received a call claiming his bank account was linked to terrorism and laundered money. He transferred the money but reported the scam when more was demanded.

A medical doctor from Navi Mumbai has fallen victim to a cyber fraud, losing Rs 26.52 lakh to a gang that threatened him with false accusations of money laundering and terrorism, according to police reports on Wednesday.

The doctor, residing in Ghansoli, received a call on August 26 from individuals claiming to be customs officers. They alleged he had sent a parcel to Dubai containing police uniforms and drugs, stated senior inspector Gajanan Kadam of Navi Mumbai's cyber police.

The fraudsters escalated the threat by involving a fictitious case handled by a Mumbai police station, asserting his bank account was linked to terrorism and money laundering. Coerced by fear of arrest, the doctor transferred Rs 26.52 lakh to various accounts. Only when the gang demanded more money did he realize the deception and reported it to the police, who have since registered an FIR and launched a probe.

(With inputs from agencies.)