A 25-year-old man from Assam’s Barpeta district has been arrested in connection with an alleged nationwide cyber fraud network linked to suspected fraud of around ₹1,173 crore. The investigation has reportedly connected the network to 1,042 cybercrime cases across the country. A team from the Cyber Centre of Excellence (CCoE), Gandhinagar, arrested the accused, identified as Rafikul Alam, following technical investigation and a three-day undercover surveillance operation in Barpeta. Electronic and technical devices allegedly used in the cybercrime operation were also recovered from his possession.
According to Gujarat Police, investigators have so far linked 1,753 bank accounts with the 1,042 cybercrime cases. The cases collectively involve suspected fraud of approximately ₹1,173 crore. Investigators suspect that the network operated through multiple layers, with bank accounts allegedly being used to receive and move money obtained through cyber fraud.
The most significant aspect of the operation emerged after investigators reached an alleged key operative of the network. The probe reportedly led them to 10 ongoing “digital arrest” cases in which victims were still under the control of cybercriminals and were being pressured to transfer additional money.
Following the discovery, CCoE teams intervened in the ongoing frauds and visited victims at their residences in different parts of the country. Several senior citizens from Ahmedabad, Surat and Jamnagar were among those rescued. In some cases, victims had allegedly broken their fixed deposits and were preparing to sell shops or properties to arrange the money demanded by the fraudsters.
The timely intervention prevented the victims from transferring further funds and helped investigators disrupt the alleged network while the fraud was still in progress. In at least three cases in Gujarat, CCoE teams reportedly reached the victims’ homes and provided immediate assistance and counselling.
The technical investigation has also indicated alleged links between Alam and a China-linked cybercrime network. Investigators have reportedly detected cryptocurrency transactions connected with the alleged racket. However, the exact nature of these links and the role of cryptocurrency in the movement of suspected fraud proceeds are being examined through further analysis of financial and digital evidence.
The Gujarat team traced the accused through technical analysis, digital trails and surveillance. After conducting the three-day undercover operation in Barpeta, investigators arrested Alam and seized electronic devices allegedly connected with the operation. Police are now examining the devices and digital activity to identify other individuals who may have been involved in the wider network.
The “digital arrest” method has become a serious form of cyber-enabled financial fraud in which criminals impersonate police officers, Central Bureau of Investigation officials or other government authorities. Victims are falsely accused of involvement in criminal cases and are then kept under continuous phone or video surveillance. The fraudsters allegedly threaten arrest or legal action and demand money in the name of verification, investigation or settlement.
The latest operation is significant because the intervention occurred while several alleged frauds were still underway. According to Gujarat Police, the arrest of one suspected operative helped investigators stop 10 digital arrest cases in real time, potentially preventing victims from transferring additional money to the fraudsters.
Investigators are now examining the bank accounts, financial transactions, cryptocurrency transfers, electronic devices and suspected international connections associated with the network. The investigation is also expected to determine whether Alam worked independently or as part of a larger organised cybercrime structure.
Police are continuing efforts to identify other suspected members of the network and trace the alleged proceeds of fraud. Further arrests are likely as the investigation progresses. The allegations against the accused remain subject to investigation and have not been established in court.
