Lucknow | Cyber Crime Police have arrested three more people in connection with the digital arrest fraud case in which ₹90 lakh was extorted from businessman’s wife Veena Bajpeyi. The arrested accused have been identified as Dheeraj (Rajajipuram, Talkatora), Sparsh Kapoor, and Aashish Chandra (Krishna Nagar, Pandit Khera). Police said the main mastermind of the gang is still absconding and search operations are underway.
During investigation, it emerged that the fraudsters called Veena Bajpeyi and falsely introduced themselves as ATS officials. They threatened her by claiming that she was involved in terrorism and money laundering cases. The accused created psychological pressure by showing a fake digital arrest scenario and forced her to transfer money in multiple instalments. Investigators said the entire operation was executed in a highly planned manner.
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Police revealed that Dheeraj admitted he opened a bank account in the name of Rahul Pal at the Kotak Mahindra Bank branch in Rajajipuram on the instructions of Sparsh Kapoor. He received around ₹8,000 as commission for arranging the account. Investigation also showed that Sparsh Kapoor withdrew about ₹2.45 lakh from the fraud money through cheque and later handed it over to Aashish Chandra, who received nearly ₹10,000 as commission.
During interrogation, Aashish Chandra disclosed that the gang converted the fraud money received in fake bank accounts into cryptocurrency to make tracking difficult for police. Several cryptocurrency transaction records and cyber fraud-related digital evidence were recovered from his mobile phone.
Investigation further revealed that other members of the network were also active. Earlier, police had arrested Mayank Srivastava, Irshad, Manish Kumar, Manoj Yadav, and Jitendra Yadav in connection with the case. These individuals were allegedly involved at different levels of the fraud operation, including arranging bank accounts and withdrawing money.
Cybersecurity experts said that in digital arrest-type frauds, criminals intimidate victims by posing as law enforcement officials and creating fear. They stressed that people should never share personal or financial details with unknown callers.
Police officials stated that technical surveillance is being strengthened to dismantle the cybercrime network. Suspicious bank accounts, digital transaction records, and cryptocurrency wallets are under monitoring. The investigation team is trying to determine how many more people are involved and through which channels the fraud money was transferred.
Authorities urged citizens to immediately contact local police if anyone tries to threaten them by posing as police, ATS, or any investigative agency officer. People have been advised not to respond to suspicious calls, messages, or investment offers.
The investigation is continuing, and police are conducting raids at possible hideouts to arrest the absconding mastermind. Officials believe the entire network will soon be exposed.
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.
