Second Accused in Rs 85-Lakh Digital Arrest Fraud Arrested in Bengaluru
The Chandigarh Police has made a significant breakthrough in a high-profile cyber fraud case, arresting the second accused in Bengaluru. This arrest marks a crucial step in the investigation into a sophisticated digital arrest scam that defrauded a victim of Rs 85 lakh.
Details of the Arrest
Police identified the arrested individual as Sibgathulla Baig, also known as Syed, a 28-year-old resident of Neelasandra in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The arrest was executed following a coordinated raid by a police team, with assistance from the Viveknagar police station in Bengaluru. This operation was based on technical evidence, KYC documents, and precise location tracking, which pinpointed Baig's involvement in the fraudulent activities.
Investigation and Money Trail
During the investigation, authorities conducted a detailed analysis of the money trail linked to the fraud. It was discovered that a portion of the defrauded funds had been transferred into an Axis Bank account registered under the name SK Collection, which is owned by Baig. The mobile number associated with this bank account was also found to be registered in his name, further solidifying the evidence against him.
Modus Operandi of the Fraud
According to the police complaint, the victim, a resident of Chandigarh, received multiple phone calls from unidentified individuals impersonating officials from the Telecom Authority of India, ICICI Bank, and the Vigilance Department. The callers threatened the complainant with a digital arrest in a fabricated money-laundering case, creating a sense of fear and urgency.
Under this pressure, the accused offered the victim a so-called Priority Innocence Certificate. Acting out of fear and deception, the complainant was induced to transfer money on several occasions into different bank accounts provided by the fraudsters. In total, an amount of Rs 85 lakh was swindled through this elaborate scheme.
Accused's Confession and Recovery
During interrogation, Baig disclosed that he had shared his bank account details with an unidentified person via the Telegram app. This individual assured him a commission of 50 per cent on transactions. Baig admitted to receiving Rs 30,000 as commission, which he subsequently withdrew and spent. He claimed that he only became aware of the fraudulent nature of the transactions after being informed by bank officials.
Police recovered a mobile phone with a SIM card and a cheque book linked to the Axis Bank account from Baig. These items are expected to provide further insights into the network's operations.
Ongoing Investigation
The Chandigarh Police has stated that further interrogation is underway to trace other members of the organised cyber fraud network and to uncover the complete modus operandi involved in the case. This arrest brings the total number of individuals apprehended in connection with this fraud to two, highlighting the authorities' commitment to combating cybercrime.
This case underscores the growing threat of digital arrest scams in India, where fraudsters exploit fear and impersonation to extort large sums of money. The successful arrest in Bengaluru demonstrates the effectiveness of collaborative policing efforts and advanced investigative techniques in tackling such crimes.
