This cyber fraud story is from Greater Kailash, a posh area in South Delhi. An elderly doctor couple lives in a luxurious house here. Dr. Om Taneja and his wife Dr. Indira Taneja both worked for the United Nations for many years. After a long career in America, they returned to India in 2016 and were living peacefully in Delhi.
On December 24, 2025, they received a phone call. The caller identified himself as a Delhi Police officer and said that a bank account linked to their Aadhaar card had been used for money laundering and drug trafficking. Within minutes, another video call came… On the screen were people sitting in police uniforms, the Delhi Police logo in the background, and officers with serious faces. Then the game began.
In the next video call, a fake court and judge appeared. Black coat, court-like setup in the background, pictures on the wall… everything looked real. The fraudster sitting on the chair said that if they did not cooperate, there would be immediate arrest and property seizure. This was the country’s first such case where cyber criminals created not just fake police, but also a fake Supreme Court and judge.
When Dr. Taneja became suspicious and tried to speak with a local SHO of Delhi Police, the cyber fraudsters threatened that very SHO on a video call. The fake judge said that this case was under the direct supervision of the Supreme Court and local police could not interfere in it.
Dr. Taneja was completely broken. From December 24 to January 9, for a full 15 days, the doctor couple remained in digital captivity in their own home. The cyber criminals forced them to transfer money to different bank accounts. Sometimes in the name of investigation fees, sometimes bail, sometimes court verification, money was transferred.
Fake documents were sent every time. Arrest memos, court orders, bank notices, government-like seals… everything fake, but extremely professional. In 15 days, Rs 14 crore 85 lakh was taken from their account. The money they had earned through decades of hard work at the UN.
Children abroad, elderly couple alone
The doctor couple’s children live abroad. This elderly couple lives in a house in Greater Kailash. When the couple realized they had been defrauded, they contacted the Delhi Police Special Cell Cyber Unit. Delhi Police has registered an FIR. Investigation of bank transactions, IP addresses, call records, and fake documents is underway.