In a significant crackdown on sophisticated online fraud, the Nagpur city cyber police station has successfully apprehended four individuals linked to two separate high-stakes cybercrime cases. The operations uncovered a chilling 'digital arrest' scam and a deceptive cryptocurrency investment scheme, with the combined financial losses to victims exceeding a staggering Rs 2 crore.
The 'Digital Arrest' Scam: A Rs 1.51 Crore Heist
The first case reveals a terrifying new modus operandi where the victim was psychologically imprisoned without any physical restraint. The complainant, Hemant Karkare from Gorepeth, Nagpur, fell prey to an impostor who posed as a police officer named 'Sandeep Rao'. The fraudster falsely accused Karkare of being involved in serious crimes like money laundering and having links to terrorist activities.
To lend credibility to the threat, the accused used WhatsApp video calls and fabricated official documents. They then placed the victim under a state of constant surveillance, terming it a 'digital arrest'. Under this prolonged psychological pressure and fear of legal action, Karkare was coerced into transferring a massive sum of Rs 1.51 crore via RTGS transfers. The fraudsters claimed this money was needed for "fund verification" processes.
Technical Trail Leads to Gujarat Arrests
Following Karkare's complaint, the cyber police team initiated a technical analysis of the fraudulent transaction trail. The digital footprints led the investigators to the state of Gujarat. A dedicated police team conducted raids in Rajkot, which resulted in the arrest of three accused persons.
The individuals taken into custody have been identified as Chirag Gohel (24), Heth Panchmia (20), and Shama Parmar (51), all residents of Rajkot. Their arrest marks a crucial breakthrough in dismantling this organized racket that exploited fear and authority to commit financial fraud.
Separate Crypto Fraud Nets Another Accused
In a parallel and unrelated investigation, the cyber police tackled a case of cryptocurrency investment fraud. The victim, Manoj Shahu from Katol Road in Nagpur, was lured into a fake bitcoin investment platform with promises of exceptionally high returns. Believing the offer to be legitimate, Shahu invested and ultimately lost a whopping Rs 50 lakh.
A case was registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act. The probe in this matter steered the police towards Amravati. Acting on the evidence, the police arrested Manthan Bobde (25), a resident of Anjangaon Surji. Authorities have indicated that further crimes linked to Bobde are currently under investigation, suggesting the possibility of a larger network.
Conclusion: A Warning and a Win for Cyber Vigilance
These twin arrests underscore the evolving and severe threat landscape of cybercrime in India, where fraudsters are employing complex social engineering tactics and exploiting emerging technologies like cryptocurrency. The Nagpur cyber police's successful resolution of these cases, which involved meticulous technical forensics and cross-state coordination, sends a strong message to cyber criminals.
For the public, the incidents serve as a critical warning. Citizens are advised to be extremely cautious of unsolicited calls from individuals claiming to be law enforcement officials, especially those demanding money for legal clearances. Furthermore, investments in digital assets should only be made through thoroughly verified and reputable platforms. The police have reiterated that no genuine government or police official will ever ask for money transfers over the phone to settle legal matters.
