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Mumbai Police have arrested two youths from Chembur for allegedly helping cyber fraudsters route money stolen from an 88-year-old woman who lost more than ₹1.55 crore in a digital arrest scam.
The accused, identified as Yash Yogesh Chauhan, 20, and Sameer Balu Bhosale, 21, were allegedly used as intermediaries by the fraud network to provide bank accounts and move proceeds in exchange for commissions.
Both are residents of Ramabai Ambedkar Colony in Chembur.
The North Cyber Police traced and detained the duo after they had allegedly remained absconding for several months.
Elderly Woman Targeted With Fake Police Threat
The victim, a retired private company employee living alone in Malad West, was allegedly targeted beginning on April 7, 2026.
According to the complaint, she received a call from a person posing as a senior Nashik police officer named Sandeep Rao.
The caller allegedly told her that an arrest warrant had been issued against her in connection with a money-laundering case involving her Aadhaar card.
The fraud escalated when another person, posing as an investigation officer named George Mathew, allegedly sent her fake Supreme Court arrest warrants and official-looking notices.
The woman was then placed under so-called digital arrest and was allegedly instructed to share details of her bank accounts, fixed deposits, investments and properties.
₹1.55 Crore Transferred in Multiple Transactions
The fraudsters allegedly told the woman that her funds needed to be transferred to designated bank accounts for verification.
They reportedly assured her that the entire amount would be returned once the investigation was completed.
Fearing arrest, the woman allegedly transferred ₹1,55,10,000 through multiple transactions between April 7 and April 25.
The money was never returned.
The fraud came to light only after the victim read a newspaper report about digital arrest scams and discussed the incident with her sister.
Her sister reportedly told her that she had been cheated and advised her to contact the authorities.
The victim later approached the North Cyber Cell, following which police registered a case involving cheating, criminal intimidation and offences under the Information Technology Act.
₹5 Lakh Allegedly Routed Through Accused’s Account
During the investigation, police reportedly found that ₹5 lakh from the fraud proceeds had been routed through Chauhan’s bank account.
His Know Your Customer details helped investigators trace him.
His arrest subsequently led police to Bhosale.
Investigators allege that the two friends provided details of their existing bank accounts and also opened multiple additional accounts for the fraud syndicate.
These accounts were allegedly used to move cybercrime proceeds in return for commissions.
Wider Mule Account Network Under Probe
Police believe the two accused were part of a wider network involved in helping cyber fraudsters move stolen funds.
Investigators are now examining the money trail and trying to identify other people linked to the operation.
Authorities suspect that several additional individuals, many believed to be based in Mumbai, may have been involved in providing bank accounts or assisting with the movement of funds.
A Borivli court has remanded Chauhan and Bhosale to police custody for further investigation.
Digital Arrest Scam Used Official-Looking Documents
The case follows a pattern increasingly associated with digital arrest fraud.
Victims are contacted by people impersonating police officers or other government officials and are falsely accused of involvement in serious crimes such as money laundering.
Fraudsters often use fabricated arrest warrants, court documents and official notices to make the threats appear credible.
Victims are then pressured to remain isolated, avoid speaking to relatives and transfer money for supposed verification or protection.
In this case, the 88-year-old woman allegedly transferred more than ₹1.55 crore after being convinced that she faced arrest unless she cooperated with the purported investigation.
Police are continuing to investigate the broader network and trace the remaining proceeds of the fraud.
