Cyber Fraud – Delhi Police Dismantles Digital Arrest Scam Network, Three Held
Cyber Fraud – A major cyber fraud operation has been uncovered by the Delhi Police after investigators arrested three suspected members of an organised network accused of running digital arrest scams that cheated victims by impersonating senior law enforcement officials.
The Cyber South Police Station of the Delhi Police has arrested three individuals from West Bengal in connection with an alleged cyber fraud case involving Rs 7.22 lakh. Investigators believe the accused were part of a larger organised network that targeted victims by falsely claiming they were under investigation and forcing them to transfer money through intimidation.
Victim Allegedly Threatened Through Fake Investigation
The investigation began after a woman approached the police, alleging that she had been deceived into transferring Rs 7.22 lakh. According to officials, the fraudsters contacted her through continuous WhatsApp video calls and falsely informed her that she was under a so-called “digital arrest.” They allegedly introduced themselves as officers from the Mumbai Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), senior IPS officials, and officers of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Police said the victim was repeatedly threatened with legal consequences and criminal action if she failed to cooperate. Under pressure, she eventually transferred the money through the RTGS banking system.
Financial Trail Led Investigators to West Bengal
After registering a case, cyber investigators examined banking records, digital payment data, and transaction histories to trace the movement of the funds. According to the police, the money initially reached a bank account located in West Bengal before being transferred through several other accounts in an apparent attempt to conceal the financial trail.
Officials said the analysis of banking transactions and digital evidence played a crucial role in identifying the suspected network behind the fraud.
Raids Conducted in Two Districts
Based on technical surveillance and intelligence gathered during the investigation, Delhi Police teams carried out coordinated raids in the South 24 Parganas and Howrah districts of West Bengal. During the operation, three accused were taken into custody. Police identified them as Samiran Roy, Prince Shaw, and Samar Chatterjee.
Authorities stated that the suspects are believed to have supported cyber criminals by arranging mule bank accounts, SIM cards, and banking credentials that were allegedly used to receive and distribute money obtained through online fraud.
Electronic Devices and Banking Material Recovered
During the searches, investigators recovered six mobile phones, one laptop, 18 debit and credit cards, 15 SIM cards, along with several banking-related documents. Police believe these items could provide additional evidence regarding the functioning of the suspected cyber fraud network and help identify other individuals involved.
Officials are continuing to examine the seized devices and financial records as part of the ongoing investigation.
Probe Suggests Wider Criminal Connections
According to the Delhi Police, preliminary findings indicate that the arrested individuals may have been linked to a broader network involved in facilitating cyber financial crimes. Investigators suspect the group played an important role in arranging mule accounts that were used to move and layer illegally obtained funds.
Police also stated that early evidence points to possible connections with international cyber fraud syndicates, although further verification is underway. Authorities said the investigation remains active and additional arrests or discoveries may follow as digital evidence continues to be analysed