In a significant breakthrough, the Lucknow cybercrime police have arrested four individuals, including a purported journalist, in connection with a sophisticated 'digital arrest' fraud case that cheated a retired officer of Rs 54.6 lakh. Investigations have revealed the pivotal role of a Thailand-based kingpin orchestrating the elaborate scam.
The Modus Operandi: A Week-Long Digital Ordeal
The case originated from a complaint filed on December 13 by Rajendra Prakash Verma, a retired officer and resident of Gomtinagar's Vastu Khand. According to DCP (Crime) Kamlesh Kumar Dixit, the victim was targeted through a video call by fraudsters posing as officers from central agencies like the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).
They falsely accused Verma of terror funding, claiming that a staggering amount of nearly Rs 7 crore had been routed through his bank accounts. The accused then threatened him with immediate arrest and imprisonment. Under this intense psychological pressure and continuous threat, the retired officer was forced to transfer Rs 54.60 lakh into multiple bank accounts provided by the gang.
Police confirmed that Verma was kept under 'digital arrest' for seven consecutive days, with the scammers maintaining constant video surveillance to ensure compliance and prevent him from contacting anyone for help.
The Arrests and International Links
The follow-up investigation, led by a team under ACP Saumya Pandey with Inspector Brajesh Yadav and Sub-Inspector Deepak Pandey, led to the arrest of the four accused. Police stated that the arrested individuals were in direct contact with the gang's alleged mastermind, identified as Aman, who operates from Thailand.
Acting on Aman's instructions, the local module played a crucial logistical role. They arranged bank accounts on rent to route the illicit funds, retained a 3% commission for themselves, and transferred the remaining bulk of the money to the kingpin abroad. This highlights a growing trend in cybercrime where core members manage operations from safe havens overseas while local networks handle ground logistics.
Several crucial pieces of electronic evidence were recovered from the seized mobile phones of the arrested accused. Police have also identified two more gang members and efforts are underway to apprehend them. Further arrests are likely as the probe deepens.
Key Takeaways and Public Advisory
This case underscores the alarming sophistication of cyber frauds like 'digital arrest', where criminals exploit the fear associated with national security agencies. The Lucknow police's action reveals the complex, multi-layered nature of such scams involving international operators and domestic facilitators.
Citizens are urged to be extremely cautious of unsolicited video calls from individuals claiming to be law enforcement officials. Genuine agencies never demand money or threaten arrest over the phone or video call. Any such communication should be immediately verified by contacting the local police station directly.
