Cyber fraudsters posing as Mumbai Crime Branch officials allegedly cheated a 76-year-old Bengaluru resident of over ₹16.24 lakh by threatening him with fake criminal cases and staging a fake virtual court proceeding.

Based on the complaint, the South East Division Cyber Crime Police registered a case on Saturday under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

The complainant, a resident of Pai Layout, stated that on February 16, 2026, he received a WhatsApp call from a person who introduced himself as Rakesh Gupta and claimed to be an officer from the Mumbai Crime Branch.

According to the complaint, the caller alleged that a mobile number obtained using the victim’s identity was being used to circulate illegal and obscene messages and that multiple complaints had been registered against him. The fraudsters allegedly kept the elderly man under constant psychological pressure and intimidation.

A few days later, another person contacted the victim, introducing himself as Vijay Khanna. He allegedly claimed that the complainant’s bank account had been used in a money laundering case involving transactions worth ₹2 crore to ₹3 crore and directed him to appear before the Mumbai police for investigation. When the victim expressed an inability to travel due to his age and health condition, the fraudsters allegedly told him that he could appear before a “Crime Branch Court” through an online hearing.

During a WhatsApp video call, another accused posing as a judge conducted what appeared to be a fake court proceeding and threatened the victim with arrest, while falsely assuring him that he would be granted bail, considering his age. The police said the accused continued to mentally harass and frighten the victim for several days, making him believe that an official investigation was under way.

The fraudsters later convinced the complainant that all his money had to be transferred temporarily for “verification” purposes and assured him that the amount would be returned once the probe was completed. Believing the claims and acting out of fear, the victim allegedly transferred ₹16,24,107 in multiple transactions through RTGS and IMPS to bank accounts provided by the accused.

After realising he had been cheated, the victim approached the police seeking legal action against the fraudsters. Further investigation is under way. The victim discussed his ordeal with his family members and friends, who suggested that he approach the police.