The Ghaziabad Cyber Crime Police have cracked a major cyberfraud case in which a resident of Vasundhara was allegedly subjected to a digital arrest and cheated of ₹2 crore 21 lakh 3 thousand. The fraudsters allegedly threatened the victim with arrest in a money laundering and fraud case linked to his Aadhaar card and posed as officials associated with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Supreme Court. Police have arrested one accused from Panipat, while the alleged mastermind and other members of the gang are still being traced. Investigators have also managed to freeze around ₹1.25 crore in bank accounts linked to the fraud.
Fake ED and Supreme Court Officials Used to Intimidate Victim
According to police, Vasundhara resident Ratnakar Mugshuji Gedam received a call from cybercriminals who claimed that his Aadhaar card had been used in money laundering and fraud-related activities. The accused allegedly introduced themselves as officials connected with the ED and the Supreme Court.
The fraudsters then threatened the victim with arrest and legal action and kept him under continuous pressure. They allegedly told him that investigators would examine the money held in his bank accounts as part of the probe. Using this pretext, the accused allegedly instructed him to transfer money to different bank accounts.
Fake Warrant Sent Through WhatsApp
The accused allegedly sent a fake warrant to the victim through WhatsApp and told him that he had been placed under digital arrest. He was allegedly warned that he had to follow the instructions of the so-called investigating officials until the inquiry was completed.
The fraudsters allegedly maintained continuous communication with the victim and created an atmosphere of surveillance and interrogation. Under fear and pressure, the victim transferred more than ₹2.21 crore to different bank accounts.
The fraud came to light after the victim realised that he had been deceived and approached the Cyber Crime Police Station. A case was subsequently registered and investigators began examining the bank accounts and transaction trail.
₹1.25 Crore Frozen, Recovery Process Underway
During the investigation, police traced several bank accounts allegedly linked to the fraud and succeeded in freezing around ₹1.25 crore. Authorities are now taking steps to facilitate the recovery and return of the frozen amount to the victim.
Investigators also found that part of the suspected fraud proceeds had reached the bank account of 23-year-old Mehtab, a resident of Panipat. Police arrested him near Kaccha Phatak in the old industrial area of Panipat.
Accused Allegedly Withdrew Money for Commission
During questioning, Mehtab allegedly told investigators that Sahil Sharma, also from Panipat, had taken his bank account details on the pretext of using the account for gaming-related activities. The account was subsequently allegedly used to receive money linked to cyberfraud.
According to police, Mehtab withdrew the money received in his account through cheques and handed over the remaining amount to Sahil Sharma after retaining his commission. Investigators found that around ₹6 lakh in suspected cyberfraud proceeds had entered Mehtab’s account.
Police have recovered a mobile phone allegedly used in the fraud and other documentary evidence from his possession. The accused is reported to have studied up to Class 5.
Search Underway for Alleged Mastermind
Police are now searching for Sahil Sharma and other members allegedly associated with the network. Investigators are examining bank accounts, mobile phones, financial transactions and digital evidence to identify the wider network and establish the flow of the suspected fraud proceeds.
Cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said digital arrest scams typically begin by creating fear of arrest and legal consequences in the victim’s mind. Fraudsters then impersonate government officials and use fake documents, warrants and investigation procedures to maintain pressure.
He said people should remember that legitimate law enforcement agencies do not place individuals under “digital arrest” or demand that they transfer money for verification. Any suspicious call involving threats of arrest or demands for bank transfers should be reported immediately through official cybercrime channels.
Police said further action will be based on the digital and financial evidence gathered during the investigation. Investigators are also working to identify other members of the alleged gang and determine where the remaining fraud proceeds were transferred.
