Kadapa Police Smash Sophisticated Digital Arrest Syndicate
Police in Kadapa district have achieved a major breakthrough against cybercrime. They successfully dismantled a highly organized syndicate specializing in digital arrest fraud. Authorities arrested nine individuals involved in this elaborate interstate operation.
How the Elaborate Scam Worked
The case came to light after a disturbing complaint from a 70-year-old advocate, PVN Prasad, residing in Badvel town. Criminals, pretending to be officials from police and central agencies, placed him under a terrifying digital arrest.
Using a calculated mix of psychological terror, the fraudsters created a convincing illusion of authority. They presented forged Supreme Court documents and spun false criminal allegations against the victim. The syndicate maintained constant digital surveillance over Mr. Prasad, primarily through WhatsApp video calls, to enforce this fake arrest.
This campaign of fear, which included threats of non-bailable warrants, physical arrest, and even police encounters, proved devastatingly effective. Between September 8 and December 4, 2025, the criminals extorted a staggering Rs 72,68,039 from the elderly advocate.
A Professionally Run Criminal Enterprise
Kadapa Superintendent of Police Shelke Nachiket Viswanath, who briefed reporters on the case, revealed the syndicate's sophisticated structure. Investigation showed it was a professionally run operation that expertly impersonated law enforcement agencies.
The money trail exposed a complex laundering system. The extorted funds were first routed through a multi-layered chain of mule bank accounts. These accounts, often opened using stolen or forged identities, helped obscure the origin of the money. Finally, the illicit proceeds were converted and laundered through various cryptocurrency exchanges and digital wallets.
The Police Investigation and Arrests
Acting on SP Viswanath's directives, special teams from the Badvel police and the Kadapa District Cyber Crime Cell were formed. Their investigation was meticulous and multi-pronged.
- They conducted intensive cyber forensics to track digital footprints.
- Banking intelligence was gathered to follow the money.
- Telecom analysis helped identify the communication networks used by the criminals.
This coordinated effort led to the identification and dismantling of the syndicate's entire financial infrastructure. The breakthrough came on January 14, when the special teams apprehended the nine accused near Hanuman Circle on the Mydukur-Kadapa main road.
The arrested individuals hail from two states:
- From Kerala: Haddhad Koya, Sahad Thaikandiyil, Gibson Gilbert, CP Prajit, and Shajil Kanayi.
- From Andhra Pradesh: Annapureddy Pothuraju, Bhupathi Prashanth, Mallel Dinesh, and Garla Sudheer.
Seizures and the Syndicate's Structure
Police seized significant evidence from the accused, including:
- Rs 5.5 lakh in cash
- 14 smartphones
- Multiple SIM cards
- Cheque books and ATM cards
- A car with Kerala registration plates
Investigators described a well-organized racket with a clear hierarchy. It was controlled by a central kingpin, supported by handlers who managed the victims, recruiters who found mule account holders, aggregators who managed these accounts, and facilitators who created corporate fronts for the operation.
In a significant financial blow to the syndicate, police identified and successfully froze Rs 22 crore linked to key mule account operators. This action has severely crippled the gang's ability to operate and launder money.
This case highlights the evolving and dangerous nature of cybercrime, where technology is weaponized to exploit fear and authority. The Kadapa police's successful operation serves as a strong warning to such organized digital fraudsters.
