Two Arrested in Massive Digital Arrest Scam Involving Rs 100 Crore Fraud
In a significant breakthrough against cybercrime, Delhi Police has arrested two individuals for their alleged involvement in a sophisticated "digital arrest" scam that has defrauded victims of over Rs 100 crore. The scam is linked to at least 190 separate cyber fraud complaints, highlighting its extensive reach and impact.
Modus Operandi of the Scam
The accused, identified as Anish Singh and Mani Singh, operated by impersonating police officers from the Mumbai Police Cyber Crime unit. They targeted victims, including a homemaker who was allegedly kept under "digital surveillance" for nearly three months from October 15 to December 12 last year.
The fraudsters used psychological manipulation and threats to coerce victims into transferring money. They falsely accused individuals of involvement in criminal activities using their Aadhaar credentials, then warned them of imminent arrest. To escalate fear, they threatened to implicate family members, such as husbands and sons, if victims alerted anyone or sought help.
Sophisticated Tactics to Deceive Victims
During video calls, the accused showed forged FIRs and arrest warrants to make their threats appear legitimate. Victims were instructed to remain on calls continuously and report daily to the fraudsters, creating a sense of constant monitoring. In one chilling instance, the accused claimed that police personnel were stationed outside a victim's house to instill further terror.
The victim, a homemaker, allegedly transferred Rs 40 lakh to bank accounts specified by the fraudsters. After each payment, she was coerced into deleting all digital evidence, including call logs and transaction details, to cover their tracks. The accused also falsely promised verification and refunds of the transferred money, adding another layer of deception.
Investigation and Arrest Details
The arrests followed a complaint filed by the victim, which led to an e-FIR registration. The Delhi Police Cyber Cell traced the fund flow to M/s Vrindakart Skyline Shoppers Private Limited, a company registered in West Delhi. Anish Singh and Mani Singh were listed as joint directors of this entity.
According to Aditya Gautam, DCP (Cyber Crime), the accused had opened eight bank accounts in the company's name across different banks to route the defrauded money. This complex network of shell companies and multiple accounts was used to launder the illicit funds, making detection challenging.
Broader Implications and Government Data
Government data reveals that this scam involved transactions exceeding Rs 100 crore, underscoring its scale and the urgent need for robust cybercrime prevention measures. The case highlights the growing threat of digital frauds where criminals exploit technology and impersonation to target vulnerable individuals.
Police emphasize that such scams rely on fear and authority manipulation, urging the public to remain vigilant. They advise verifying any unsolicited calls claiming to be from law enforcement and reporting suspicious activities immediately to cyber crime units.
The arrest of Anish Singh and Mani Singh marks a critical step in dismantling this fraudulent operation, but authorities warn that similar schemes may still be active. Ongoing investigations aim to identify other accomplices and recover the defrauded funds to provide justice to the victims.
