**Karnataka BJP MLA Falls Victim to Cyber Fraud, Loses ₹30.99 Lakh**
A former BJP MLA from Karnataka, Gundappa Vakil, has become a victim of a sophisticated digital arrest scam, resulting in a loss of nearly ₹30.99 lakh to cybercriminals. The incident unfolded when scammers impersonated officials from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and even a judge, falsely linking Vakil to a money laundering case involving Jet Airways founder Naresh Goyal.
The fraudsters executed a convincing scheme by placing Vakil under a so-called “digital arrest,” instructing him not to disconnect the call. To enhance the credibility of their ruse, they staged a fake online court hearing. Believing their threats, Vakil initially transferred ₹10 lakh and subsequently an additional ₹20 lakh, under the pretense that the funds were necessary for a property-related investigation. He was promised that the money would be returned after the inquiry, but it never was.
Following Vakil’s report, the Central Crime Branch (CCB) Cyber Crime Police in Bengaluru have initiated an investigation into the matter. This incident highlights the growing threat of cyber fraud, particularly in light of a recent case where a contract employee of the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) tragically took his own life after being extorted by similar scammers. The employee, identified as Kumar, had received threats of digital arrest from a caller claiming to be from the CBI, leading him to transfer a total of ₹11 lakh.
As cyber fraud continues to rise, it is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and informed about such scams to protect themselves from potential financial loss.
**FAQ**
**What should I do if I receive a suspicious call claiming to be from law enforcement?**
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from law enforcement and asking for money or personal information, do not engage with the caller. Hang up and report the incident to your local police department or cybercrime unit.