Sat Jan 24 20:16:10 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Elderly Couple Duped of ₹14 Crore in Sophisticated Cyber Fraud; Eight Arrested

The Story:
An elderly couple in Delhi, Dr. Indira Taneja, 77, and her husband, Om Taneja, 81, were victims of a sophisticated cyber fraud operation, losing over ₹14 crore. The perpetrators impersonated police officers, convincing the couple they were implicated in a money laundering case and coercing them to share their financial details. Eight individuals, including a priest, have been arrested in connection with the crime. Police investigations reveal that the key conspirators are operating from Cambodia using advanced digital tools and mule bank accounts to siphon funds.

Key Points:

  • Elderly couple from Delhi defrauded of ₹14.84 crore through a “digital arrest” scam.
  • Fraudsters impersonated police officers, claiming the couple was involved in a money laundering case.
  • Eight individuals arrested, including facilitators and mule account holders.
  • Key conspirators are based in Cambodia and used SIMBOX technology to route international calls.
  • A case was registered on January 10, 2026, under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Sections 8, 318(4), 319 and 340.
  • Police have frozen ₹2.80 crore of the siphoned money.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cyber fraud targeting vulnerable populations, like the elderly, continues to be a significant problem.
  • International crime syndicates are increasingly involved in cyber fraud, exploiting technological loopholes and jurisdictional challenges.
  • The use of “digital arrest” as a tactic highlights the psychological manipulation employed by fraudsters.
  • Mule accounts play a crucial role in these scams, requiring enhanced vigilance from financial institutions.
  • Cross-border collaboration is essential to effectively combat and prosecute these crimes.

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