Five individuals have been apprehended in connection with a widespread "digital arrest" scam that has defrauded numerous victims of their life savings. The arrests come amid increasing reports of sophisticated cybercriminals impersonating law enforcement and government officials to extort money from unsuspecting citizens.
The "digital arrest" scam typically involves fraudsters contacting victims via phone or messaging apps, posing as representatives from agencies like the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the National Investigation Agency (NIA), or even local police departments. Victims are falsely accused of involvement in serious crimes such as money laundering, drug trafficking, or terrorism. The scammers then create a sense of urgency and fear, coercing victims into transferring large sums of money to prevent якобы immediate arrest and asset seizure.
In a recent case, Maharashtra cyber police filed a 2,500-page charge sheet detailing how cybercriminals defrauded a 72-year-old Mumbai resident of Rs 58 crore. The fraudsters used intimidation, fake legal proceedings, and a network of mule bank accounts to carry out the crime. As of January 9, 2026, 32 accused have been arrested, and 41 others are still wanted. Police have announced rewards for information leading to the arrest of key absconders.
Another incident involved an 81-year-old businessman who lost Rs 7.12 crore after being targeted by scammers posing as Mumbai Police officers. The fraudsters fabricated charges of drug trafficking and fake passports, demanding money for "digital arrest" closure. The victim, intimidated by the threats, transferred funds over several weeks before realizing he had been scammed.
In Lucknow, cyber police arrested four individuals for their involvement in a "digital arrest" fraud where a senior citizen was cheated of ₹54.60 lakh. Investigations revealed that the operation was controlled from Thailand, with funds routed through mule bank accounts and then transferred abroad using cryptocurrency.
Visakhapatnam police arrested a man from Telangana for providing his bank account to cybercriminals who cheated an 81-year-old retired engineer of ₹11 lakh. The scammers posed as government officials and intimidated the victim into transferring money for a якобы RBI audit verification.
Cybercrime officials warn that "digital arrest" has become a prevalent and dangerous cyber fraud technique. By impersonating law enforcement and creating a false sense of imminent arrest, criminals gain psychological control over victims. Authorities emphasize that no legitimate investigating agency conducts inquiries through video calls or demands money transfers.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, it is crucial to remember that law enforcement agencies will not ask you to transfer money to another account. If you receive such a request, it is a major red flag. It's also important to remain calm and not be intimidated by threats. If you are contacted by someone claiming to be a law enforcement officer and are unsure of their legitimacy, verify their identity through official channels.
