In a major crackdown on the rising menace of “digital arrest” cyber frauds, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested three accused persons after conducting extensive searches across six States. The action pertains to a high-value fraud case involving ₹1.86 crore, in which a senior citizen from Kottayam, Kerala, was allegedly cheated.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Blessin Jacob Abraham, Mohammad Mushtaque and Mohammad Junaid. According to the agency, preliminary investigations revealed that the accused posed as officials from central investigative or law enforcement agencies and intimidated victims by falsely claiming they were under “digital arrest.”
FCRF Launches Flagship Certified Fraud Investigator (CFI) Program
Victim’s Ordeal: ₹1.86 Crore Extorted
The CBI stated that the accused allegedly threatened the senior citizen from Kottayam with implications in money laundering and other serious offences. The victim was made to believe that an arrest warrant had been issued and that he would remain under “digital surveillance” until the inquiry was completed. Under psychological pressure and fear of legal consequences, the victim transferred ₹1.86 crore into multiple bank accounts controlled by the fraudsters.
Investigation Reveals Complex Network
In an official statement, the agency said that “through meticulous digital forensics and financial trail analysis, investigators uncovered a complex network spanning multiple States, with indications of international linkages.” The probe has revealed the use of multiple bank accounts, mobile numbers, fake SIM cards, virtual numbers and online payment gateways to execute and conceal the fraud.
Seizures and Ongoing Probe
During coordinated searches across six States, CBI teams seized electronic devices including laptops and mobile phones, along with bank documents and other digital evidence from suspected premises. Officials indicated that forensic examination of the seized devices is expected to yield further leads and help identify other members of the network.
Investigators have also found that the defrauded funds were layered and transferred through multiple accounts to make tracking difficult. The agency is now examining whether the network had foreign handlers or if the operations were being directed by masterminds based abroad.
According to CBI officials, interrogation of the arrested accused is ongoing, and further arrests cannot be ruled out. The agency has urged citizens to remain vigilant and not to trust unknown callers or video callers claiming to be officials from investigative agencies. People facing such situations are advised to immediately contact local authorities or the cyber crime helpline.
In recent months, cases involving so-called “digital arrest” tactics have seen a sharp rise, with senior citizens and individuals living alone often becoming prime targets. Authorities view the latest arrests as a significant breakthrough in dismantling a sophisticated cyber fraud network operating across multiple jurisdictions.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
