Pune | A case of large-scale cyber fraud has come to light in Pune, where a woman was allegedly duped of ₹4.82 crore after cybercriminals impersonated police officers and placed her under what they described as a “digital arrest.” The fraud, which unfolded over nearly a month, involved threats of legal action and fabricated allegations of money laundering, prompting the victim to transfer money to multiple bank accounts provided by the callers.
According to the complaint registered with the cyber police, the incident began on December 18, when the woman, a resident of the Kondhwa area, received a phone call from unknown individuals claiming to be law enforcement officials. The callers alleged that several bank accounts had been opened in her name using her Aadhaar credentials and that these accounts were being used for money laundering activities across multiple states.
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The callers informed the woman that she was under investigation and warned that immediate action would be taken against her. To intensify pressure, they falsely claimed that she had been placed under “digital arrest,” a term frequently used by cyber fraudsters to instil fear and create a sense of urgency. The woman was allegedly told that failure to cooperate would result in her immediate arrest and prosecution.
Threats and intimidation used to extract money
Under the pretext of resolving the case and avoiding physical arrest, the fraudsters instructed the woman to deposit money into various bank accounts for “verification” and “clearance” purposes. Fearful of legal consequences, she complied with the demands and transferred funds in multiple instalments over a period of time.
Investigators stated that the cumulative amount transferred by the woman reached ₹4 crore 82 lakh 14 thousand. The payments were made to different accounts, indicating a structured and coordinated operation aimed at dispersing the funds and avoiding detection.
The fraud reportedly continued until the woman began to suspect foul play and sought independent verification. Upon realising that she had been deceived, she approached the cyber police station on January 19 and lodged a formal complaint detailing the sequence of events and financial transactions.
‘Digital arrest’ has no legal basis
Cyber police officials have clarified that there is no such concept as “digital arrest” in Indian law. Law enforcement agencies do not arrest individuals through phone calls, video calls, or online platforms. Any legal action, including arrest or investigation, is carried out through formal written notices or in-person procedures, following established legal protocols.
Officials said cybercriminals increasingly misuse official-sounding terminology, forged identities and psychological pressure to manipulate victims into transferring large sums of money. Such frauds often rely more on fear and misinformation than on technical hacking.
Investigation underway
A case has been registered under relevant sections related to cheating, impersonation and cyber fraud. Investigators are examining call records, bank transaction details and digital footprints to trace the origin of the calls and identify the beneficiaries of the transferred funds. Efforts are also being made to determine whether the fraud is linked to a larger interstate or international cybercrime network.
Authorities are coordinating with banks and financial institutions to track the money trail and assess the possibility of freezing or recovering part of the defrauded amount.
Public advisory issued
The cyber police have urged citizens to remain vigilant and not panic if they receive calls threatening arrest or legal action. Any demand for money made over phone calls, video calls or online platforms in the name of police or central agencies should be treated as a clear red flag.
Residents have been advised to immediately report such incidents to the cyber police helpline or visit the nearest cyber police station. Officials reiterated that awareness and timely reporting remain the most effective tools in preventing financial losses from cyber frauds.
The investigation is ongoing, and further developments are expected as authorities continue to analyse digital and financial evidence linked to the case.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
