Under ‘Operation Chakra V’, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested four individuals—two each from Mumbai and Moradabad (Uttar Pradesh)—for their involvement in a high-profile ‘Digital Arrest’ fraud.
The arrests followed coordinated searches across 12 locations in Mumbai, Moradabad, Sambhal, Jaipur, and Krishnanagar (West Bengal), resulting in the seizure of crucial evidence, including bank records, digital devices, cheque books, and deposit slips.
The case was originally registered by the Cyber Police in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, and was later handed over to the CBI at the request of the state government. According to the CBI, the victim was held under psychological duress for over three months by cybercriminals posing as officials from law enforcement and regulatory agencies.
Using fake identities and threatening communication, the fraudsters extorted the victim 42 times, amounting to a staggering ₹7.67 crore.
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Investigators revealed that the scam follows a structured modus operandi. Fraudsters initiate contact via phone or video calls, impersonating officials from agencies like the Reserve Bank of India or police forces.
Victims are told they are under investigation and have been “digitally arrested.” Criminals use fake backgrounds and uniforms to instill fear, coercing victims into transferring money under the pretense of legal clearance or release from custody.
Following data analysis and profiling, the CBI employed advanced techniques to track the accused and link them to the extortion racket. The arrested individuals have been remanded to five days in police custody.
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