Former Baroda Ranji cricketer Rishi Arothe has been arrested by Mumbai Cyber Police for his alleged involvement in a cyber fraud case linked to a digital arrest scam, according to police officials. The arrest marks the latest development in an investigation into a fraud operation in which a senior citizen was allegedly extorted after being threatened by cybercriminals posing as police officers.
Arrest Linked to ₹32 Lakh Digital Arrest Scam
Police said the case pertains to a February incident in which a senior citizen was allegedly duped of approximately ₹32 lakh by fraudsters impersonating law enforcement officials. The accused allegedly threatened the victim with legal consequences, falsely claiming that her SIM card had been used by a terrorist.
Investigators alleged that Arothe was among seven individuals arrested in connection with the fraud and is accused of helping route money obtained through the scam to cybercriminals.
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Authorities Cite Previous Fraud Allegations
Officials said this is not the first time Arothe has faced allegations related to cheating and fraud. In 2024, he was accused by a complainant of taking money after allegedly promising to secure a place for the complainant’s son in an Indian Premier League bowling camp. A separate complaint that year alleged that he took investment money for a Goa-based bar and casino project and failed to return the amount.
In another earlier case, police reportedly seized ₹1 crore in cash from his Vadodara residence during an inquiry into the source of the funds.
Prior Arrest in Stock Fraud Investigation
In September 2025, Hyderabad police had also arrested Arothe in connection with a stock market investment fraud case involving ₹32 lakh. Authorities alleged at the time that he converted scam proceeds into cryptocurrency and routed them to criminals operating abroad.
Arothe, 30, previously represented Baroda in domestic cricket and played five first-class matches for the team between 2015 and 2019. He also featured in 45 domestic T20 matches and was part of India’s Under-19 squad during its 2013 tour of Australia.
Investigation Continues
Police said further investigation is underway to determine the full extent of the fraud network and trace other individuals allegedly involved in the operation. Authorities are also examining the financial trail to identify the movement of funds linked to the scam.
