Another alarming case of the rapidly growing ‘digital arrest’ cyber fraud has come to light, with an 81-year-old retired businessman from Hyderabad losing ₹7.12 crore to impostors posing as law enforcement officials. Disturbingly, the victim fell prey to the scam despite having read media reports about similar frauds in the city, underscoring the sophistication and psychological intensity of such crimes.
According to the complaint, the fraudsters impersonated Mumbai Police and crime branch officials, threatening the victim with arrest in fabricated cases involving drug trafficking, fake passports, money laundering and terrorism. Through sustained intimidation, the elderly man was kept under what the scammers described as “digital arrest” for months, during which he was instructed not to contact his family, lawyers or bankers.
Courier call set the trap
In his complaint to the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB), the victim stated that the ordeal began on October 27, 2025, when he received a WhatsApp call from a person claiming to be a customer care executive of a courier company. The caller alleged that a parcel sent in the victim’s name from Mumbai to Bangkok contained a laptop, five passports and 200 grams of MDMA, a banned narcotic substance.
Minutes later, another caller posing as a Mumbai crime branch officer contacted him, claiming that evidence linked the victim to serious offences including drug trafficking, extortion, money laundering and terrorism, and that formal cases were being registered against him.
‘Digital arrest’ and enforced silence
The impostors told the victim that he was being placed under “digital arrest” and issued strict instructions that he must not disclose the matter to family members, lawyers, banks or any third party. He was also ordered to provide complete details of his assets, investments and bank accounts for “verification”.
Under constant threat and fear of legal action, the victim transferred ₹19.8 lakh to a bank account on October 29. On the fraudsters’ instructions, he then installed the Signal app, which was used for further communication and directions.
Crores siphoned off via RTGS
Between November 6 and December 5, the scammers coerced the victim into making multiple RTGS transfers in large tranches—₹1.7 crore, ₹1.75 crore, ₹98 lakh, ₹1.5 crore and ₹1 crore—to different bank accounts. The cumulative loss crossed ₹7.12 crore.
On December 29, the fraudsters demanded an additional ₹1.2 crore to “close the case file”, triggering suspicion for the first time.
Media reports raise alarm
The victim searched online and came across recent reports on digital arrest frauds. Realising he had been deceived, he filed a complaint on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal on December 31, and approached the TGCSB headquarters on January 2.
TGCSB registered a case under Section 66D of the IT Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to cheating and forgery.
Money routed through shell companies
Investigators said the fraudsters used four different mobile numbers and routed the stolen money through multiple bank accounts linked to shell companies. “The money trail is being analysed to identify the accused and map the wider network,” an official said.
Experts sound warning
According to the Future Crime Research Foundation, scammers deliberately mimic the language, designations and intimidating legal terminology used by law enforcement agencies. Senior citizens, the foundation notes, are particularly vulnerable as references to arrests and legal notices trigger fear and compliance.
Former IPS officer and renowned cybercrime expert Triveni Singh said “digital arrest” is entirely a psychological crime. “No police, CBI or ED arrests anyone over phone or video calls, nor do they seek money transfers for investigations. Fear, secrecy and isolation are the biggest weapons used by these fraudsters,” he said.
Police advisory
Cyber police have urged citizens—especially senior citizens—not to panic over unknown calls or believe in concepts like “digital arrest”. In case of suspicion, they should immediately contact family members, local police or the cyber helpline 1930, which remains the safest course of action.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
