Mumbai: In a major crackdown against the digital arrest fraud network operating across the country, Mumbai Police have arrested Asad Shaikh, who is believed to be a key handler of the racket. Authorities said that Shaikh played an important operational role in managing the syndicate’s activities within India. Investigators are also probing the gang’s possible international connections and financial trails.
Money Trail Leads to Business Account
The arrest was made during the investigation of a digital arrest fraud case involving a 66-year-old yoga teacher residing in Kandivali West. According to allegations, the fraudsters posed as law enforcement officials and frightened the elderly woman by showing fabricated arrest warrants and account freeze documents. The victim was kept on prolonged WhatsApp video calls and was pressured mentally to transfer money.
Investigation reports reveal that the victim was cheated of a total amount of ₹10,35,000. Out of this amount, nearly ₹5 lakh was transferred to a registered import-export firm account. Police suspect that this firm may also be connected to the cyber network, which is why its bank accounts are under detailed scrutiny.
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Alleged Role of Asad Shaikh
Sources said that Asad Shaikh used to present himself as an export-import businessman, but investigations found that he had been associated with a cyber fraud syndicate since 2020. Authorities allege that he helped provide technical and financial infrastructure required for carrying out the fraud. Police suspect that the gang may have targeted multiple victims across different states.
Officials stated that after cheating victims, the fraud money was transferred in small installments into multiple accounts to avoid immediate suspicion. Transaction patterns, beneficiary details, and possible international connections are also being examined. Some other suspects linked to the case have been identified and are being tracked.
Digital Arrest Fraud Under Growing Scrutiny
Digital arrest fraud has emerged as a dangerous and relatively new form of cybercrime in recent times. In this method, fraudsters impersonate police, narcotics officers, or other government officials to intimidate victims. The target is told that he or she is involved in money laundering or some criminal case and is forced to transfer money under the pretext of investigation.
Cybersecurity experts say that elderly people and individuals with limited technical knowledge are most vulnerable to such scams. Fraudsters often keep victims under psychological pressure through continuous video calls so that they do not seek help from others.
Police have appealed to the public to remain alert if anyone claiming to be a government official asks for money over video calls or phone calls in the name of investigation. People should avoid sharing banking details, OTPs, or allowing online fund transfers to unknown callers under any circumstances.
Probe Into Possible International Links
Investigators believe that the case may have international links. Therefore, the role of foreign-based suspicious accounts and digital platforms is also being examined. Police have indicated the possibility of further arrests in the network soon.
Experts say that increasing awareness among people is essential as cybercrime cases are rising. Many incidents of cyber fraud can be prevented if suspicious calls are identified on time and complaints are filed immediately.
