The cybercrime cell of the Union Territory (UT) police has arrested two individuals for allegedly duping a city resident of over ₹77 lakh in a sophisticated “digital arrest” scam. The accused were identified as Sajid Ahmed Patel (30), a resident of Maharashtra, and Shayeed Rafiq Mullah (37).
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on July 10, when the victim received a phone call from a person impersonating a crime branch officer. The caller falsely claimed that her Aadhaar card was linked to a money-laundering case in Mumbai. To make the threat more convincing, the fraudsters used WhatsApp calls to display fake arrest warrants and forged Supreme Court orders, pressuring her into transferring money to avoid legal action.
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How the Fraud Unfolded
Under sustained coercion, the victim was compelled to transfer ₹77,42,420 into four separate bank accounts controlled by the accused. The elaborate setup was designed to mimic genuine law enforcement procedures, creating fear of immediate arrest.
As part of the investigation, the cybercrime unit traced the digital footprints and identified Patel and Mullah’s involvement. Raids were conducted, leading to their arrest. Multiple mobile phones, bank cards, Aadhaar cards, and PAN cards were seized during the operation, pointing to a wider network of fraudulent activities.
The police also secured a lien amount of ₹20,16,300 from related bank accounts, effectively freezing funds connected to the scam. Officials confirmed that efforts are underway to trace other accomplices and uncover the full extent of the operation.
Authorities Warn Citizens of Rising “Digital Arrest” Scams
Law enforcement agencies have highlighted a rise in such scams across the country, where fraudsters impersonate officials and threaten victims with fabricated legal consequences. The UT police urged residents to remain vigilant and verify any calls claiming to be from government or enforcement agencies. Cybercrime experts noted that criminals increasingly exploit technology to create believable scenarios, making it difficult for individuals to distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent communications.
Both accused remain in custody as investigations continue. Police expect further arrests as the probe widens.
