The Cyber Crime Police Station in Goa has arrested a 23-year-old man in a ₹97 lakh cyber fraud case. According to investigators, the accused impersonated officials from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to trick a woman into thinking she was under legal scrutiny.
Using the now-infamous “digital arrest” tactic, the fraudster allegedly told the victim that her SIM card was linked to a human trafficking case. Terrified, the woman transferred ₹97 lakh through RTGS in two installments—₹51 lakh and ₹46 lakh—to avoid supposed legal action.
The Anatomy of a High-Tech Con
Police say the accused, identified as Shaikh, went to extreme lengths to establish false authority. He used spoofed calls, fabricated documents, and psychological manipulation to execute the fraud. This case mirrors a growing trend where scammers exploit public fear of government agencies and legal action to extort large sums.
The investigation revealed that Shaikh received ₹51 lakh in his personal bank account. The authorities further noted that this same account has been used in several other cyber scams.
A Nationwide Cybercrime Network
The scope of the scam appears far larger than a single incident. Goa police have confirmed that the account in question has ties to fraudulent transactions across Maharashtra, Kerala, Telangana, Karnataka, and Goa. Investigators believe the accused may be part of a broader cybercrime syndicate operating in coordination across state lines.
With a cumulative scam value of ₹1.2 crore linked to the account, authorities expect further arrests. The cyber crime unit is also working with financial institutions to freeze related accounts and track money trails.
Law Enforcement Response and Caution to Public
The Goa Police have urged citizens to remain vigilant against such impersonation frauds. They emphasized that no government authority ever demands payments or settlements over the phone, especially through instant transfers like RTGS.
Officials also issued a public advisory against sharing personal or financial details over calls, particularly when threats of legal action or arrests are made. The police reaffirmed their commitment to tracing every link in this scam and bringing all perpetrators to justice.