New Delhi: A shocking case of cyber fraud has surfaced in Delhi, where an elderly NRI doctor couple was allegedly cheated of ₹14.85 crore after being placed under what criminals described as a “digital arrest.” The incident took place in the Greater Kailash area and unfolded over more than two weeks, highlighting the growing sophistication of online financial scams.
According to the complaint, the fraud occurred between December 24 and January 9. The victims, Dr Om Taneja and his wife Dr Indra Taneja, had spent nearly five decades in the United States, served with the United Nations, and returned to India in 2015 after retirement. Since then, the couple had been involved in charitable and social service activities.
The ordeal began on December 24, when the couple received a phone call from individuals posing as law enforcement and government officials. The callers allegedly threatened them with fabricated criminal cases and arrest warrants. Fearing legal consequences, the couple reportedly fell into the trap laid by the cybercriminals.
The accused kept the couple under constant surveillance through video calls, claiming they were under “digital custody.” From December 24 until the morning of January 10, the fraudsters allegedly instructed Dr Indra Taneja to transfer large sums of money to multiple bank accounts. In total, funds were transferred to eight different accounts during this period.
Dr Indra Taneja told investigators that the scammers repeatedly demanded varying amounts, sometimes ₹2 crore and at other times more than ₹2 crore in a single transaction. The threats reportedly included references to arrest warrants, fake cases, and stringent laws such as the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The criminals also invoked national security concerns to intensify pressure and prevent the couple from contacting anyone for help.
By the time the fraud came to light, the couple had lost their life savings, amounting to ₹14.85 crore. Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to trace the money trail and identify those involved.
Authorities have once again urged citizens, especially senior citizens, to remain alert and verify any claims made by callers posing as officials, stressing that no law enforcement agency conducts arrests or investigations through video calls.
