A CISF constable has been arrested in connection with a ₹57 lakh “digital arrest” cyber fraud case in Kanpur, with investigators pointing to a wider network that allegedly used fake bank accounts, layered transactions and international links extending to Cambodia. The case involves a retired GST assistant commissioner who was allegedly threatened and manipulated into transferring money under the pretext of a digital arrest.
CISF Constable Held From Odisha
The accused has been identified as Dawood Ansari, a CISF constable who was apprehended from Rourkela in Odisha and brought to Kanpur on transit remand. He was later produced before a court and sent to judicial custody.
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According to investigators, Ansari allegedly helped the cyber fraud syndicate by arranging bank accounts that were used to move the defrauded money. He reportedly received around ₹10,000 for each account.
The accounts were allegedly used to route the money through multiple layers, making it difficult for investigators to track the flow of funds before they were moved further through the network.
Cambodia Link Under Investigation
During interrogation, Ansari reportedly disclosed the names of two suspects based in Kolkata who allegedly acted as intermediaries in the network. Raids are underway to apprehend them.
Officials believe the masterminds behind the operation are operating from Cambodia and coordinating with associates in India. Investigators are examining how the syndicate used domestic bank accounts and international channels to move the stolen funds.
Earlier, five other individuals had already been arrested in the case, including alleged mastermind Raju Thakur from Jharkhand. Authorities suspect that local youths were recruited for opening bank accounts and facilitating transfers, helping expand the syndicate’s reach.
Digital Arrest Fraud Relied on Fear and Urgency
The case has again drawn attention to the rise of “digital arrest” frauds, in which victims are intimidated through fabricated legal threats by people posing as officials from law enforcement or investigative agencies. Such scams rely heavily on fear, urgency and pressure to force victims into transferring money.
Cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said modern cybercriminals combine technology with social engineering to manipulate victims. In digital arrest scams, he said, fear and urgency are deliberately created to push people into hasty financial decisions.
Investigators found that the stolen money was routed through several bank accounts before being channelled through international gateways. This layered movement of funds is believed to have been used to obscure the money trail and complicate enforcement action.
Authorities have advised citizens to remember that no legitimate government agency conducts arrests or investigations through phone or video calls. With several accused still absconding, the probe is continuing to identify the remaining members of the syndicate and trace the full financial network.
