Police have detained nine cybercriminals across two separate operations for orchestrating sophisticated scams involving “digital arrests” and fake job offers.
Operation 1: Virtual Arrest Scam in Gwalior
In Gwalior, authorities arrested Abhilash Srivastava and Sameer Rana, two members of an interstate cybercrime unit impersonating CBI and TRAI officials. They coerced victims into transferring money by fabricating digitally signed arrest warrants and threatening legal consequences. Their victims were led to deposit substantial amounts into bank accounts controlled by criminal operatives abroad, with money later converted into cryptocurrency. Seized during the arrest were 21 bank passbooks, 15 ATM cards, 19 cheque books, 12 SIM cards, and INR 1.10 Lakh in cash.
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Operation 2: Job Scam Racket Disrupted in Varanasi
Meanwhile, in Varanasi, police dismantled an interstate gang of seven accused of luring victims with promises of high-paying foreign jobs in countries like Israel, Oman, and the Gulf. The syndicate operated from two call centres—one in Moti Jheel, Mahmoorganj, and another in Madhopur, Sigra. The team crafted fake documentation, including offer letters, visas, medical certificates, and flight tickets. Their scam preyed on hope, convincing aspirants to pay for nonexistent recruitment services.
Commissioner of Police (Cyber Crime), ACP Vidush Saxena, highlighted that both operations involved deep deception, forged credentials, and controlled call centre setups to build trust and manipulate victims.
These coordinated scams underscore the evolving ways cybercriminals exploit psychological pressure and institutional trust. In the “digital arrest” ploy, scammers weaponise fear of legal consequences to isolate and defraud victims. Meanwhile, job scams prey on aspirants’ ambitions, offering false hope for gainful employment abroad.
By impersonating trusted authorities or recruiters, these criminals bypass digital defences and exploit personal vulnerabilities. The dual operations illustrate why law enforcement must stay agile—every call centre, SIM card, or KYC document could be part of a broader fraud web