The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has made a significant breakthrough in tackling a new and terrifying form of online extortion known as the "digital arrest" scam. In a coordinated operation, the agency arrested five individuals from Delhi for allegedly defrauding people of more than Rs 1.5 crore by posing as law enforcement officials.
How the Sophisticated Digital Arrest Scam Operated
The scam relied on psychological manipulation and sophisticated spoofing technology. The accused, identified as Arpit, Shivam, Prince, Himanshu, and Prince Rajpoot, are alleged to have been part of a larger organized network. Their modus operandi involved calling potential victims and falsely claiming to be officials from the CBI, Narcotics Control Bureau, or other enforcement agencies.
The fraudsters would accuse the target of involvement in serious crimes like money laundering or drug trafficking. To add credibility, they used spoofed phone numbers that appeared to be genuine government numbers on the victim's caller ID. In a cruel twist, they would then place the victim under "digital arrest," forcing them to remain visible on a video call for hours or even days under the threat of immediate physical arrest if they disconnected.
The Investigation and Nationwide Impact
The CBI's investigation was launched after registering a case on July 10, 2024. The probe revealed that this syndicate was part of a wider network targeting victims across India. The arrested individuals are accused of playing a crucial role as "foot soldiers" who managed the day-to-day operations of the scam, including making the threatening calls and facilitating the illegal money transfers.
During searches at multiple locations in Delhi, the CBI seized digital evidence, mobile phones, and SIM cards used in the commission of the crime. The agency stated that the syndicate used a complex web of UPI IDs, bank accounts, and cryptocurrency channels to launder the extorted money, making it difficult to trace.
A Warning to Citizens and the Path Forward
This case highlights the evolving nature of cybercrime in India, where criminals exploit fear and authority to commit fraud. The "digital arrest" scam is particularly insidious as it uses technology to create a paralyzing sense of fear and isolation in victims, making them more compliant to demands for money.
The CBI has issued a strong advisory to the public. No law enforcement agency in India will ever demand money over the phone, ask for personal financial details, or place someone under "digital arrest." Citizens are urged to verify any such call by directly contacting the official helplines of the concerned agency and to immediately report suspicious calls to the cybercrime helpline number 1930.
The five accused were produced before a competent court in Delhi. The CBI's investigation is ongoing as they work to identify and apprehend other members of this pan-India network to prevent further financial and emotional trauma to innocent citizens.
