Cyber Police Nab Three in Rs 32.7 Lakh Digital Arrest Scam
In a significant crackdown on cyber crime, the Mumbai Cyber Police have arrested three individuals from Gujarat, including one who claims to be a former Ranji cricketer, for their alleged involvement in a sophisticated digital arrest scam. The accused are charged with duping a senior citizen from Aarey Colony of a staggering Rs 32.7 lakh. With these latest apprehensions, the total number of arrests in this case has risen to seven, as four people were held earlier.
Details of the Arrested Accused
The three arrested men have been identified as Rishi, Harsh, and Nikhil. According to police officials, they played a crucial role in routing the scammed funds to the masterminds behind the operation. Notably, Rishi's father is a cricket coach, adding a layer of intrigue to the case. The police emphasized that their investigation is ongoing to uncover the full extent of the network involved.
How the Scam Unfolded
The scam traces back to February 11, when the senior citizen received a call from a Tamil-speaking man. The caller impersonated a sub-inspector from the Chennai Police, falsely claiming that the victim's SIM card had been used by terrorist Afzal Khan in connection with the Pahalgam attack. To lend credibility, the caller provided a fabricated case number and transferred the call to a supposed senior official.
The next fraudster, posing as this senior official, demonstrated alarming knowledge by stating he was aware the victim had relocated from Tamil Nadu to Mumbai and had information on all her family members. He instructed her to obtain a non-involvement certificate from the police and transferred the call to the Mumbai Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).
Elaborate Deception Tactics
Subsequently, the victim received a video call from an English-speaking man whose WhatsApp display picture featured an ATS logo. Dressed in a police uniform and seated with files, he conducted a virtual inspection by asking her to show every room in her house to ensure only family members were present. This tactic was designed to intimidate and establish false authority.
The fraudsters then directed her to download the Arattai app and modify privacy settings, sending fake documents such as a notice, FIR, arrest warrant, and confidentiality agreement. The situation escalated when they threatened to arrest her son upon his return from Berlin, exploiting her fears to maintain control.
Financial Exploitation and Aftermath
Between February 11 and 16, the victim received multiple calls from the scammers, during which she transferred Rs 32.7 lakh under the false pretense that her funds would be verified online by the Reserve Bank of India and returned if deemed legal. It was only when her son returned from Berlin on February 16 that the scam was uncovered. The family then approached the Cyber Police through the victim's granddaughter, leading to the investigation and arrests.
This case highlights the growing threat of digital arrest scams targeting vulnerable individuals, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and robust cyber security measures. Authorities continue to urge the public to verify such calls independently and report suspicious activities immediately.
