Scammers posed as law enforcement officials on WhatsApp video call, showed fake arrest warrant and coerced senior citizen into transferring funds; ₹1.10 crore routed through a Himachal NGO account linked to 32 other fraud cases
The Cyber Cell of the Delhi Police Crime Branch has cracked a high-value “digital arrest” cyber fraud case, arresting three key members of an organized scam network.
The case involved an 82-year-old senior citizen who was allegedly threatened and psychologically coerced into transferring ₹1.16 crore to multiple bank accounts after being told he was under investigation for money laundering.
Scammers Showed Fake Arrest Order on WhatsApp Call
According to police, the accused posed as officers of the Delhi Police and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) during a WhatsApp video call with the victim.
They displayed a forged arrest warrant, claiming that the man was involved in financial irregularities and that legal action would be taken against him if he failed to cooperate.
The fraudsters then placed the victim under what they called a “digital arrest” — instructing him to remain online and under “monitoring” throughout the so-called investigation.
Under intense psychological pressure, the elderly man followed their directions and transferred ₹1.16 crore in multiple transactions over several days.
Funds Routed Through NGO Account in Himachal Pradesh
Investigations revealed that most of the cheated amount — nearly ₹1.10 crore — was funneled into the bank account of a non-governmental organization (NGO) based in Himachal Pradesh.
Further inquiry showed that this account was operated from Patna, Bihar, and had 32 prior complaints registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) involving approximately ₹24 crore in fraudulent transactions.
Following coordinated raids in Himachal Pradesh and Bihar, police arrested three suspects.
Two of them handled fund transfers and account operations, while the third managed technical coordination, including foreign-based phone numbers and online communication used in the scam.
‘Digital Arrest’: A New Cybercrime Tactic
Investigators described “digital arrest” as an emerging form of psychological cyber fraud, where criminals exploit fear and authority to gain complete control over the victim’s online behavior.
Victims are manipulated to stay “under supervision” and are often made to disclose bank credentials, OTPs, and internet banking access.
The stolen money is then laundered through layered bank accounts, NGOs, and shell entities, eventually routed to foreign wallets or crypto exchanges.
Similar Incident in Indore: Woman Loses ₹29.7 Lakh
In a separate but similar case, a woman in Indore lost ₹29.7 lakh after being duped by scammers using the same “digital arrest” method.
According to Additional DCP Rajesh Dandotiya of the Crime Branch, the fraudsters told her that “funds linked to a terrorist organization” had been mistakenly deposited into her account.
They then demanded that she transfer the money for “verification,” gradually siphoning off her entire savings.
The victim, who had recently returned from the U.S., has filed a complaint and police have launched an investigation.
Delhi Police Issues Public Advisory
The Cyber Cell has warned citizens against trusting video calls or documents shown as “official warrants” on messaging platforms.
Officials stated: “No law enforcement agency ever demands online payments or bank transfers. In such situations, victims should immediately call the national cyber helpline (1930) or contact their nearest cyber police station.”
Conclusion: Fear and Trust — The Tools of Modern Cybercrime
The case underscores how cybercriminals are weaponizing fear, authority, and misinformation to trap unsuspecting individuals, particularly the elderly.
Experts note that “digital arrest” scams combine psychological manipulation with advanced financial laundering networks, making them among the most dangerous forms of online fraud today.
Authorities reiterated that public awareness, timely reporting, and financial vigilance are the strongest defenses against such high-stakes digital crimes.
