Kanpur Police Crack Down on Digital Arrest Scam, Arrest Three Cyber Fraudsters
In a significant breakthrough against cybercrime, the Cyber Crime Team of West Zone, in collaboration with Sachendi Police Station, has successfully apprehended three individuals involved in a sophisticated fraud operation. The accused were allegedly threatening and intimidating innocent citizens by impersonating police or crime branch officers, subsequently extorting money through deceptive means.
Modus Operandi and Investigation Details
The fraudulent activities came to light following multiple complaints registered on the Cyber Cell technical portal. Acting on these leads, the Cyber Cell of West Zone meticulously gathered technical information, which unveiled a network of cyber criminals operating from various residential locations in the Bhaumeshwar area under Sachendi police station jurisdiction.
These perpetrators were reportedly duping people under the guise of digital arrest, a tactic where victims are falsely accused of crimes and threatened with severe legal consequences unless they comply with monetary demands.
Arrests and Recovered Evidence
In a well-coordinated joint operation, authorities arrested the three accused, who have been identified as Arvind Singh (26), Anurag Singh (23), and Vikas Singh (24). During the raid, police seized crucial evidence, including:
- Two Android mobile phones
- One keypad mobile phone
- Five ATM cards from different banks
- Seventeen mobile SIM cards
- Three forged Aadhaar cards
A formal case has been registered against the trio at Sachendi Police Station under FIR No. 33/2026, invoking sections 318(4), 338, 336(3), and 340(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 66D of the Information Technology Act.
Deceptive Tactics and Financial Exploitation
Investigation revealed that the fraudsters employed a multi-pronged approach to exploit their victims. They would contact individuals, falsely claiming to be officers from the police department or crime branch, and levy fabricated allegations such as watching obscene videos. Using these false charges, they intimidated victims with threats of strict legal action, coercing them into transferring money through various bank accounts.
In some instances, the accused even lured victims by promising benefits from government schemes, only to swindle them out of their hard-earned money. This elaborate scam highlights the growing sophistication of cyber fraud in urban areas.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) SM Qasim Abidi commented on the operation, stating, "The Cyber Cell, West Zone, and Sachendi Police Station team arrested 3 accused identified as Arvind Singh, 26, Anurag Singh, 23, and Vikas Singh, 24." This arrest underscores the proactive measures being taken by law enforcement to combat cyber threats and protect citizens from financial fraud.
