Patna Cyber Police have busted an alleged organised cybercrime racket involved in digital arrest scams, financial fraud and online cheating, arresting three accused. Police said the suspects allegedly targeted victims across several states and were linked to a wider cybercrime network.
During the operation, investigators recovered six mobile phones, two laptops, three cheque books, two passbooks and five ATM cards, along with other electronic devices and banking documents.
Three Accused Arrested
The arrested accused have been identified as Gaurav Kumar, a resident of New Colony in Khagaul-Danapur; Adarsh Kumar of Transport Nagar; and Aman Raj of Kumhrar. According to police, the three were allegedly connected to an organised cybercrime network operating across different parts of the country. Preliminary investigation also revealed multiple complaints related to cyber fraud against them.
Cybercrime Complaints Helped Trace Suspects
Police said several complaints concerning the accused were found on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal. Analysis of these complaints, along with digital evidence collected during the investigation, helped investigators trace the suspects and establish their alleged links with the racket.
Technical surveillance and examination of digital evidence played a key role in the investigation. Investigators analysed suspected mobile numbers, electronic devices and other digital activities before identifying and tracing the accused. The seized mobile phones and laptops have now been sent for detailed examination to identify additional suspects, victims and possible financial transactions.
Phones, Laptops And Banking Documents Seized
Police suspect that bank accounts and documents recovered from the accused may have been used to receive and transfer money obtained through cyber fraud. The three cheque books, two passbooks and five ATM cards are being examined to establish the flow of funds and identify accounts allegedly linked to the racket. Investigators are also examining the electronic devices for communication records, transaction details and other digital evidence.
How Digital Arrest Scams Work
The investigation is also focused on determining how the accused allegedly carried out digital arrest scams. In such frauds, cybercriminals typically impersonate police officers, central investigation agencies, bank officials or other government authorities and threaten victims with arrest or legal action. The victims are then kept under constant pressure through phone or video calls and are allegedly persuaded to transfer money on the pretext of verification, investigation or avoiding arrest.
FIR Registered, Investigation Expanded
An FIR has been registered at Patna Cyber Police Station, and the investigation has been expanded to determine the complete structure of the alleged network. The three accused were produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody. Police are now examining the seized electronic devices and banking records to establish the roles played by the accused and identify other members of the network.
Investigators are also trying to determine the total amount allegedly siphoned off by the racket and the number of victims who may have been targeted. Since complaints have surfaced from different parts of the country, authorities are examining whether the suspects were operating independently or as part of a larger network involving multiple handlers, bank accounts and money-transfer channels.
Expert Warns Against Digital Arrest Scams
Cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said digital arrest scams combine technology with psychological manipulation. Victims are often kept under intense pressure and made to believe that immediate action is required to avoid arrest or other legal consequences. People should independently verify any such claim through the official contact details of the concerned department and should never transfer money merely because someone threatens them with arrest over a phone or video call.
Patna Cyber Police said the investigation remains underway. Further action will follow after the roles of other suspected members are established. Investigators are also analysing the digital and banking evidence recovered during the operation to determine the actual scale of the alleged fraud, trace the money trail and identify additional victims and associates connected to the network.
