₹1.92 Crore Digital Arrest Scam: Three Arrested
Description :
Police bust a ₹1.92 crore online extortion racket; three suspects arrested in the widespread ‘digital arrest’ scam targeting unsuspecting victims.
Published: 30 November 2025 | 10:50 PM IST (GMT+05:30, India)
Published By: Mr. Dibakar Mandal
INTRODUCTION
Authorities have successfully busted a ₹1.92 crore online extortion racket known as the ‘Digital Arrest’ scam, arresting three key suspects involved in duping unsuspecting citizens. The scam, which operated over digital platforms, involved threatening victims with fabricated legal actions unless hefty payments were made.
Police officials revealed that the operation spanned multiple states, exploiting the growing dependence on online communication and digital banking, highlighting the need for vigilance in cyberspace. Victims reportedly received fraudulent messages and calls impersonating law enforcement agencies, pressuring them to transfer money to untraceable accounts (NDTV, The Hindu).
BACKGROUND OF THE SCAM
The Digital Arrest scam is part of a growing trend of online extortion and cyber fraud in India and globally. Scammers often use social engineering tactics, preying on fear and urgency. Victims are made to believe that non-payment could result in arrest, legal action, or property seizure.
Investigations indicate that the perpetrators were well-organized, maintaining multiple bank accounts and digital wallets to siphon funds. Law enforcement officials have emphasized that this scam reflects the sophistication of cybercriminal networks and the challenges in tracking digital transactions across jurisdictions (BBC, UNICEF).
POLICE ACTION AND INVESTIGATION
- Three arrests made: Authorities apprehended three suspects who were coordinating the scam from different cities.
- Recovered assets: Bank accounts and digital wallets containing part of the ₹1.92 crore were frozen and seized.
- Ongoing investigation: Police are working to identify additional accomplices and victims to expand the investigation nationally.
Senior police officials stated that the suspects used fake law enforcement credentials and intimidating messages to exploit public fear. Cybercrime units collaborated with banks and telecom providers to trace the financial and digital footprint of the perpetrators (Reuters, UN).
IMPACT ON VICTIMS
The scam has affected hundreds of individuals, with victims ranging from small business owners to private citizens. Many reported psychological distress, highlighting the personal and financial impact of cybercrime.
Authorities have urged citizens to:
- Verify official communication before making payments.
- Report suspicious calls or messages to local law enforcement.
- Avoid sharing personal banking details over phone or messaging apps (WHO, UNESCO).
LEGAL AND CYBERSECURITY PERSPECTIVE
The case underscores the need for stricter cybersecurity measures and public awareness. Experts note:
- Digital extortion is increasingly sophisticated and transcends state boundaries, making coordinated enforcement crucial.
- Public education campaigns and cyber vigilance training are essential to reduce vulnerability.
- Authorities are considering stronger legislation and real-time monitoring systems to curb online scams (BBC, NDTV).
CONCLUSION
The bust of the ₹1.92 crore Digital Arrest scam demonstrates the efficacy of coordinated cybercrime enforcement. With the three arrests, authorities hope to dismantle the network fully and restore confidence among digital platform users.
Law enforcement agencies continue to urge the public to exercise caution, reinforcing the message that cybercrime is preventable with vigilance and proper reporting channels (The Hindu).
FAQs
Q1: What is the ‘Digital Arrest’ scam?
A1: It’s an online extortion scheme where scammers threaten victims with false arrests unless payments are made, exploiting fear and urgency (NDTV).
Q2: How much money was involved in this scam?
A2: Police have recovered ₹1.92 crore from bank accounts and digital wallets used by the suspects (The Hindu).
Q3: How did the authorities catch the culprits?
A3: Cybercrime units collaborated with banks and telecom providers to trace financial transactions and digital footprints, leading to the arrest of three key suspects (Reuters).
Q4: How can citizens protect themselves from such scams?
A4: Always verify communications from authorities, avoid sharing banking info online, and report suspicious messages to police (WHO, UNESCO).
Q5: Are further arrests expected?
A5: Yes, the investigation is ongoing, and authorities aim to identify additional accomplices and victims nationwide (BBC).
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