Ludhiana resident was defrauded of ₹7 crore
In a startling case of cybercrime, a Ludhiana resident was defrauded of ₹7 crore by fraudsters who impersonated Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials and forged Supreme Court of India documents. The sophisticated scam involved fake legal notices, forged arrest warrants, and even a staged virtual Supreme Court hearing featuring a false representation of then Chief Justice of India, Justice DY Chandrachud.
How the Fraud Unfolded
The Punjab and Haryana High Court took note of the case after an accused in the matter filed a bail plea. During the hearing before Justice Mahabir Singh Sindhu, the court was informed that the fraudsters executed a meticulously planned cyber scam by creating and distributing forged documents purportedly issued by the Supreme Court, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and the CBI.
According to the details presented, the fraud began on August 27, 2024, when the complainant received a phone call from a person posing as an official from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The caller falsely warned him that his mobile number was at risk of being disconnected. Shortly after, scammers impersonating CBI officials contacted him, showing fake investigation reports and escalating the threat by staging a virtual court hearing to add credibility to their claims. Convinced by the deception, the victim transferred ₹7 crore into bank accounts designated by the fraudsters.
Court’s Observations
During the hearing, Justice Sindhu noted the rising trend of cyber fraud in India and referenced Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data, which revealed that between FY 2020 and FY 2024, there were 5.82 lakh reported cases of cyber fraud, leading to financial losses amounting to ₹3,207 crore.
After reviewing the evidence, Justice Sindhu stated:
"It is evident that the petitioner, along with co-accused, orchestrated a well-planned cyber scam, defrauding the complainant of ₹7 crore. They not only forged a Supreme Court order but also fabricated an arrest warrant from the Enforcement Directorate to intimidate the victim into transferring funds. The growing prevalence of such cyber frauds is a matter of serious concern."
The Cyber Crime Police Station in Ludhiana has registered an FIR in the case, and investigations are ongoing. Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant against such scams, verify legal communications through official channels, and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement immediately.
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