In a significant crackdown on a sophisticated online fraud network, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has made a crucial arrest and conducted multi-state raids in connection with a high-profile money laundering case. The case involves the digital arrest of prominent industrialist SP Oswal, the Chairman and Managing Director of Ludhiana's Oswal Group.
Pan-India Raids and Key Arrest
The federal probe agency executed searches at 11 locations across five states – Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Assam – on December 22. During this operation, officials apprehended one Rumi Kalita from Kamrup in Assam. Kalita was subsequently transported to Jalandhar, Punjab, where the primary investigation is being conducted. A local court has remanded her to ED custody until January 2 for intensive questioning.
The Modus Operandi of the Digital Arrest Scam
According to the ED, the fraudsters impersonated officers of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Using forged official and judicial documents, they orchestrated a 'digital arrest' of SP Oswal. Under this guise of legal coercion, they forced him to transfer a staggering Rs 7 crore into various bank accounts controlled by the syndicate.
The agency's investigation revealed a well-organized financial trail. Amounts cheated from victims, including Oswal, were immediately funneled into numerous 'mule' accounts. ED alleges that Rumi Kalita was the operator controlling these bank accounts. She allegedly provided the credentials for these accounts to the fraudsters in exchange for a predetermined percentage of the illicit funds as her share.
Evidence Recovery and Money Trail
The December 22 searches yielded several key pieces of evidence that not only solidify the case against the accused in the Oswal matter but also potentially link them to several other cases of online fraud. In a positive development for the victim, the ED's swift action led to the recovery and return of Rs 5.24 crore to SP Oswal. The agency continues its efforts to trace the remaining amount.
This case highlights the growing threat of sophisticated cyber-financial crimes where impersonation of government officials and digital confinement are used to extort large sums. The ED's pan-India operation underscores the coordinated efforts required to dismantle such networks operating across state borders.
