In a shocking case of digital arrest cyber fraud, police in Lucknow have arrested four accused for allegedly cheating a senior citizen of ₹54.60 lakh by holding him under psychological captivity from Thailand. Investigators say the fraudsters kept the victim under so-called “digital arrest” for seven days, routing the stolen money through mule bank accounts before transferring it abroad using cryptocurrency.
The case came to light following a complaint registered at the Cyber Crime Police Station, Lucknow. The victim has been identified as Rajendra Prakash Verma, a resident of the Gomtinagar area of Lucknow.
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Threats Posed as NIA–ATS Officials
According to the investigation, on December 13, 2025, the fraudsters contacted the elderly man, falsely introducing themselves as officers of the NIA and ATS. They alleged that his bank accounts were being used for terror funding, threatening immediate arrest and legal action.
To intensify the pressure, the accused kept the victim under constant surveillance through video calls and phone calls, a tactic now widely referred to as digital arrest. Overwhelmed by fear and mental stress, the victim was coerced into transferring ₹54.60 lakh in the name of “investigation” into two accounts belonging to IndusInd Bank and Bank of Baroda.
Money Routed Through Mule Accounts
After growing suspicious, the victim approached the cyber crime police on December 19. The probe revealed that the money had not gone directly to the main fraudsters but was first deposited into mule accounts.
From these accounts, the funds were quickly withdrawn and layered through multiple transactions to obscure the trail and prevent investigators from reaching the mastermind directly.
Using surveillance inputs and banking records, police dismantled the network step by step and arrested four accused from different parts of Lucknow.
Four Arrested, Gang Involved 12 Members
Police said the arrested accused were responsible for operating mule accounts and forwarding the fraud money. The kingpin of the gang is based in Thailand, from where he allegedly coordinated the operation and received the cheated amount after deducting commissions, mostly through cryptocurrency transfers.
Investigators believe the gang has around 12 members. Some suspected operatives are believed to be based in Bahraich and Shravasti, and their roles are currently under verification. The involvement of mule account holders is also under scrutiny.
Items Recovered from the Accused
During the arrests, police recovered:
- Five mobile phones
- ₹25,234 in cash
- Five debit cards
- One PAN card and one Aadhaar card
Preliminary inquiry suggests that the accused were engaged in different professions but joined the cyber fraud network due to the lure of easy commission-based earnings.
What Is a Mule Account?
A mule account is a bank account used by cybercriminals instead of the actual beneficiary. Fraudsters often lure economically vulnerable or less-informed individuals into opening accounts using their documents. The criminals then take control of passbooks, cheque books and debit cards, using these accounts to receive and move stolen money.
Digital Arrest: A New Cyber Weapon
Police say digital arrest has emerged as one of the most dangerous cyber fraud techniques. By impersonating law enforcement agencies and creating fear of arrest, criminals mentally isolate victims and force them to follow instructions without questioning authority.
Probe Continues, More Arrests Likely
Authorities are now examining the inter-state and international links of the gang. Detailed analysis of bank transactions, call records and cryptocurrency trails is underway. Police indicated that more arrests are likely as the investigation progresses.
The case once again serves as a strong warning to the public: no law enforcement agency conducts investigations through video calls or asks for money transfers. Any such call should be reported immediately to cyber crime authorities.
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.
