Hyderabad | In a growing wave of cybercrime incidents, another major case of the “digital arrest” scam has emerged, where the Cyberabad Police Cyber Crime Wing has arrested a 26-year-old man accused of being part of an international fraud network that cheated victims of approximately ₹24 lakh.
According to police officials, the accused has been identified as Gajarla Avinash from Jagtial district. Preliminary investigation revealed that he travelled to Cambodia under the pretext of a job opportunity, where he was allegedly recruited into a structured cyber fraud syndicate. He later began targeting victims in India as part of the network’s operations.
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Investigators said the accused impersonated law enforcement officials over phone calls and intimidated victims by falsely claiming they were involved in serious criminal cases. During these calls, victims were psychologically pressured into believing they were under a “digital arrest,” after which they were coerced into sharing bank details and transferring money.
Police findings further revealed that the proceeds of the fraud were routed through mule bank accounts in India. The funds were then layered and withdrawn through multiple channels to obscure the financial trail. Officials said the operation involved coordination between domestic operatives and foreign-based handlers.
Between January and February 2026, the syndicate allegedly executed fraudulent transactions worth around ₹24 lakh. During this period, the accused and his associates targeted multiple victims using similar intimidation tactics and financial coercion.
During the arrest, police recovered a mobile phone, an Indian passport, and approximately ₹12 lakh in cash from the accused. Officials suspect that the recovered cash may also be linked to the cyber fraud network and is currently under detailed forensic examination.
Authorities believe the gang is part of a larger international cybercrime syndicate operating across multiple countries, including India. Such networks, often based in countries like Cambodia, reportedly lure young individuals with job offers such as data entry work, only to later involve them in organized cyber fraud operations.
Cybercrime investigators noted that “digital arrest” scams rely heavily on psychological manipulation. Victims are repeatedly threatened with fabricated allegations, such as involvement in criminal cases, and are pressured into making immediate payments to avoid arrest or legal action.
Police officials confirmed that the accused has admitted to his role during interrogation, though investigations into other members of the network and its international links are still ongoing. Authorities emphasized that the case is not isolated but part of a broader organized cybercrime ecosystem.
Cybersecurity experts have highlighted that such frauds combine technical deception with psychological pressure tactics. Fraudsters impersonate police officers, CBI agents, or other authorities to create fear and urgency, forcing victims into compliance.
Police have issued an advisory urging the public not to share personal or banking information with unknown callers and not to transfer money under threat or intimidation. Officials reiterated that “digital arrest” is not a legally recognized procedure and is commonly used as a tool for cyber fraud.
Investigations are currently focused on tracing the financial flows and digital footprints associated with the network to identify its masterminds and additional collaborators operating both within India and abroad.
