Panaji: Goa Cyber Crime Police have arrested two persons in connection with a high-value “digital arrest” fraud that allegedly cheated a Bicholim resident of more than ₹1.42 crore. The accused were produced before a court on Friday and remanded to 14 days’ judicial custody.
Police said the case is part of a larger interstate cyber fraud racket, with investigators uncovering a network that targeted victims by impersonating officials of central investigative agencies and using fear tactics to extract money.
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According to officials, the fraudsters initially contacted the victim over phone, falsely claiming his name had surfaced in money laundering and illegal financial transaction cases. The accused then escalated the pressure through video calls, staging fake interrogations and warning of imminent arrest.
Investigators said the victim was placed under what the scammers described as “digital surveillance”, a tactic commonly used in such crimes to isolate targets and keep them in a constant state of panic. Under sustained psychological pressure, the victim transferred funds in multiple instalments to bank accounts provided by the accused, eventually losing over ₹1.42 crore.
Following the complaint, Goa Cyber Police launched a technical probe, analysing call records, IP logs and bank transaction trails. The digital footprint led investigators to identify the two accused, who were later detained during coordinated operations at separate locations.
Preliminary questioning has revealed that the arrested individuals are part of an organised interstate cyber crime syndicate that has been operating across several states, using the “digital arrest” modus operandi to dupe unsuspecting citizens. Police suspect the gang may have carried out similar frauds in other parts of the country.
Cyber crime teams are now conducting forensic examinations of the accused’s mobile phones, bank accounts and digital devices to trace additional links and identify other members of the network. Officials said a detailed money trail analysis is underway to map the full extent of the racket and recover siphoned funds.
Sources indicated that further arrests are likely, as some suspicious transactions have been traced to accounts outside Goa. Coordination has been initiated with law enforcement agencies in other states to track down remaining suspects.
Police said the investigation is also focusing on identifying mule accounts used to route the stolen money and determining whether the accused were directly involved in victim targeting or played supporting roles such as account handling and logistics.
Meanwhile, Goa Cyber Crime Police have issued a fresh advisory urging citizens to remain vigilant against such scams. Officials stressed that no government or central agency conducts arrests or investigations over phone or video calls, nor do they demand money transfers as part of any legal process.
Residents have been advised to immediately report suspicious calls or messages to the nearest police station or dial the national cyber crime helpline 1930.
The two accused are currently being interrogated, with police working to dismantle the wider cyber fraud network behind the operation. Authorities said further developments are expected as forensic reports and financial analyses are completed in the coming days.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
