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The Cyber Crime Police of Hyderabad City have uncovered a major ‘Digital Arrest’ cyber fraud involving nearly ₹1.96 crore, arresting two key operatives from Gujarat who allegedly played a central role in laundering the cheated money through mule bank accounts and hawala channels, officials said on Sunday.
According to an official release, the arrested accused have been identified as Saiyad Soyab Jahid Bhai and Belim Anas Rahim Bhai, both residents of Bhavnagar. The arrests followed a detailed investigation into a highly organised scam that relied on fear, impersonation and psychological coercion, commonly referred to as a “Digital Arrest” fraud.
How the Fraud Unfolded
The case came to light after a woman complained with the Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police on December 13, stating that she had been mentally intimidated and financially exploited under the threat of an imminent “digital arrest”.
Investigators said the victim received repeated phone calls from unknown individuals impersonating government officials and telecom authorities. During these calls, the fraudsters falsely claimed that her husband was involved in serious criminal offences and that arrest proceedings had already been initiated.
To enhance credibility, the callers rotated identities, used official-sounding designations and created a staged narrative of urgency. The victim was told that money needed to be transferred immediately for:
- “Verification of currency serial numbers”
- “Case enquiry procedures”
- “Clearance formalities to stop arrest”
Overcome by fear and panic, and believing the calls to be genuine, the victim transferred ₹1,95,76,000 through RTGS transactions from her bank accounts to accounts supplied by the fraudsters.
Role of the Arrested Accused
Police clarified that the two arrested men were not the masterminds, but critical operational links in the cyber fraud chain.
According to investigators:
- Saiyad Soyab Jahid Bhai assisted in opening and operating mule bank accounts used to receive fraud proceeds. He allegedly facilitated rapid withdrawals and earned a 15% commission on the funds routed through accounts under his control.
- Belim Anas Rahim Bhai allegedly worked on instructions from higher-level cyber operators. He managed mule accounts and ensured the transfer of funds through hawala networks to Dubai-based cyber fraud handlers.
Officials said the swift movement of money through multiple layers was deliberately designed to break the financial trail and delay detection.
Wider Network and Past Cases
During the investigation, police discovered that both accused are habitual cyber offenders. Bank accounts linked to them were found to be involved in 22 cyber fraud cases across India, many of them connected to accounts maintained with State Bank of India.
Cyber Crime Police seized two mobile phones allegedly used in executing the fraud. Transaction analysis further revealed that approximately ₹3.5 crore had flowed through the mule accounts arranged by the accused, indicating a much larger operational footprint beyond the present case.
A case was registered as Cr. No. 2257/2025, following which investigators undertook detailed digital forensics and financial trail analysis, ultimately leading to the arrests.
Police Operation and Supervision
The operation was carried out under the supervision of ACPs R. G. Siva Maruthi and Sri Jaipal Reddy. The investigation was led by Inspector N. Ramu, Inspector of Police, with assistance from SI PVS Abhishek and other supporting staff.
Officials said the coordinated effort helped dismantle a well-organised, transnational cyber fraud network, and the work of the investigating team has been recommended for official appreciation and reward.
Public Advisory
The Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have once again issued a strong warning to the public:
- No government or law enforcement agency conducts “digital arrests”
- No authority demands money for verification, enquiry or clearance
- Any such call or message is a cyber fraud attempt
Citizens have been advised to stay alert against unsolicited calls or messages received via telecom networks, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook or other platforms, and to immediately report such incidents to cyber crime authorities to prevent financial loss and curb organised digital fraud.
