Kolkata: A Kolkata resident allegedly lost ₹3.26 crore after a group of cyber fraudsters posing as Mumbai Crime Branch officers subjected him to a prolonged “digital arrest” and threatened him with immediate physical arrest. The accused allegedly used forged Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) documents, fake bank account-freeze orders and official-looking notices to convince the victim that he was under investigation in a criminal case.
The Bidhannagar cybercrime police have arrested three men in connection with the case. The accused have been identified as Biku Kumar, 24, Durant Patra, 28, and Mohammad Zayed, 46. Police said the three are residents of Kolkata and Howrah and are being interrogated as part of the investigation.
The victim initially approached New Town police in January this year after allegedly realising that he had been cheated. The complaint was subsequently transferred to the cybercrime unit. Investigators spent around seven months examining the financial trail, bank accounts and technical evidence before tracing the suspected members of the syndicate.
Fraudsters claimed Aadhaar was linked to criminal cases
According to investigators, the fraud began when the victim received a call from people claiming to be officials of the Mumbai Crime Branch. The callers allegedly told him that his Aadhaar details had been linked to criminal complaints involving 24 people.
When the victim denied having any connection with a Mumbai-registered SIM card, the callers allegedly intensified the pressure instead of ending the conversation. They reportedly told him that he was being investigated jointly by the CBI and police and that failure to cooperate could result in immediate arrest.
The fraudsters allegedly sent digitally prepared “arrest” notices and purported bank account-freeze orders to make the allegations appear genuine. The victim was also allegedly instructed not to leave his home without permission and was warned that police personnel could arrive to take him into custody if he failed to follow their directions.
₹3.26 crore transferred during prolonged intimidation
Fearing legal consequences, the victim allegedly followed the instructions given by the fraudsters. During the course of the scam, he liquidated shares and mutual fund investments and also transferred cash, with the total amount allegedly reaching ₹3,26,84,000.
The money was transferred into bank accounts allegedly controlled or operated by members of the fraud network. After realising that the investigation was fabricated, the victim approached the police.
Cybercrime investigators subsequently began tracking the movement of the money through multiple bank accounts. Technical clues and transaction records helped investigators identify the suspected members of the syndicate, leading to the arrest of the three accused.
‘Digital arrest’ scams exploit fear and authority
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said such scams succeed because fraudsters combine impersonation, psychological pressure and financial manipulation. According to him, victims are deliberately kept engaged on calls for extended periods so that they have little opportunity to independently verify the claims being made against them.
He said the use of forged government documents and references to agencies such as the CBI or Crime Branch is intended to create an immediate sense of legal danger. Once the victim becomes convinced that arrest is imminent, scammers can manipulate financial decisions that would otherwise appear unreasonable.
The expert said investigations into such cases should trace not only the individuals making the calls but also the bank accounts, SIM cards, digital devices, mule accounts and financial channels used to move the stolen money.
Police issue warning after arrests
The Kolkata police have issued an advisory highlighting several warning signs associated with digital arrest scams. Legitimate law enforcement agencies do not keep citizens under prolonged video surveillance or place them under “virtual detention”.
Police also clarified that no genuine criminal investigation requires a person to transfer money or liquidate legitimate investments to prove innocence. Citizens are not required to keep a supposed investigation secret from family members or legal advisers.
The case comes amid growing concern over digital arrest fraud across India. In July 2025, a West Bengal court sentenced nine people to life imprisonment in a digital arrest fraud case, marking a significant conviction linked to the emerging form of cybercrime.
Despite repeated public awareness campaigns, fraudsters continue to exploit fear of police action, CBI investigations, money laundering allegations and account freezes. Investigators believe the Kolkata case again highlights how criminals can convert a fabricated legal threat into a major financial loss by keeping victims isolated, intimidated and continuously engaged on phone or video calls.
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.
