Jharsuguda: As cyber fraud continues to take on new forms, an assistant general manager (AGM) of a company in Odisha's Jharsuguda district lost money worth lakhs to fraudsters who reportedly impersonated Mumbai Police and accused him of hawala transactions.

The incident came to light after the victim, a resident near Samaleswari hospital within Sadar police limits, filed a complaint after suspecting foul play.

As per reports, the AGM received a call two days back where the caller identified himself as Mumbai Police. The latter then told him that his bank account reflected extra money and accused the victim of hawala transactions and money laundering.

The fraudster then connected with the victim on a video call over Skype and took his bank details and other information. After a while, the victim again got a call where the fraudster intimidated him by saying that a non bailable warrant has been issued against him and if he does not dispose of the case within 24 hours, he could be arrested. Apprehensive, the victim, as directed by the accused, transferred Rs 20 lakh to the latter's bank account to evade arrest.

Later, he suspected that it was a scam and reached out to police. A case was registered and probe initiated after which the fraud was detected. Further investigation is underway.