Kochi: The Keezhvaipur police have launched an investigation into a sophisticated cyber fraud case following a complaint by Bishop Geevarghese Mar Coorilos, who was defrauded of ₹15 lakh.

Bishop Coorilos, a former metropolitan of the Niranam diocese of the Malankara Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Church, reported that on August 2, he received a call from a number identified as ‘Mumbai Cyber.’ The caller claimed to be from the cyber police, informing him that his bank account was linked to a money laundering case handled by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The bishop was further deceived by a video call showing what appeared to be a CBI office and officers, who questioned him about his bank accounts and financial details. He was informed that he was under 'digital custody' and would appear online in court the following day.

During this virtual court session, he heard from a person posing as a judge, who declared that his accounts would be frozen. He was instructed to transfer the funds from his accounts into a 'secret service account' monitored by the Supreme Court, with the promise of returning the money if he was found innocent. Believing this to be legitimate, he transferred ₹13 lakh, and later an additional ₹1.2 lakh after being manipulated further.

The bishop received what appeared to be official documents, including a fake court verdict and receipts for the transferred funds. His suspicions were raised when another individual, posing as a CBI officer, solicited an additional ₹2 lakh as a 'gift' for his assistance.

Realizing he had been scammed, Bishop Coorilos reported the incident to the police and cyber cell. He has chosen to publicize his case to prevent others from falling victim to similar frauds.

Sub-inspector Satheesh Sekhar of the Keezhvaipur police station confirmed the registration of the case under sections 66B and 66C of the IT Act and section 318 of the Bharatiya Nyay Samhita (BNS). The investigation is underway.

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