New Delhi: A Delhi-based businessman was allegedly kept under “digital arrest” for four days and forced to transfer ₹48.56 lakh to a cyber fraud network, according to a CBI chargesheet that has revealed the use of fake firms, mule bank accounts and proxy servers in the case. Investigators said the syndicate used psychological pressure, impersonation and layered financial routing to execute the fraud.
Victim Kept Under Video Surveillance
The incident began on December 29, 2023, when Anshu Mittal, Managing Director of a Delhi-based manufacturing company, received a call from unidentified persons. The callers allegedly claimed that he was involved in a serious legal violation and gradually escalated the situation into a so-called digital arrest.
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Over the next four days, the victim was allegedly kept under continuous surveillance through video calls. He was instructed to remain visible on camera and was repeatedly told that he was under government investigation.
Investigators said the accused created an atmosphere of fear and authority, making the victim believe that failure to comply would lead to immediate legal consequences. Under sustained pressure, the businessman transferred ₹48.56 lakh in multiple instalments as directed by the fraudsters.
Fake Firms And Mule Accounts Used
The CBI chargesheet describes the operation as a structured cybercrime model based on deception, intimidation and layered financial movement. The initial contact allegedly began as a routine inquiry before turning into video-based surveillance that simulated a custodial environment.
According to investigators, the syndicate used mule bank accounts to receive and route the stolen funds. These accounts helped move the money through several layers, making it harder to identify the source and destination of the proceeds.
The chargesheet also points to the use of shell companies created to open bank accounts and facilitate illegal transactions. These corporate entities allegedly provided financial cover for the movement of funds within the network.
Cross-Border Links Under Investigation
Investigators said proxy servers and encrypted communication channels were used to obscure the money trail and digital footprint. In some instances, funds were reportedly routed through international nodes before being redistributed within the network.
The CBI has indicated that the syndicate had a decentralised structure, with separate groups handling victim communication, mule account recruitment and laundering of funds. Authorities are examining digital records, banking trails and communication logs to identify additional members and beneficiaries.
The chargesheet has been filed, but the investigation remains ongoing. Officials have indicated that more arrests and disclosures are likely as the financial trail and digital infrastructure linked to the alleged network are examined further.
