Delhi, India
In a major breakthrough against cybercrime, the Delhi Police has uncovered a ‘Digital Arrest’ fraud network involving multiple accused and financial transactions amounting to approximately ₹3.5 crore. The operation was carried out by the cyber team under a special initiative aimed at tackling online frauds.
Speaking on the development, Sachin Sharma said that the case came to light during an investigation conducted under Operation CyHawk. The probe began after a complaint related to a “Digital Arrest” scam, where victims are threatened or manipulated into transferring money under false pretenses.
During the investigation, police traced the flow of money to a specific bank account. On further verification, it was found that the account was linked to as many as 21 complaints, indicating a wider network of fraud activities.
Authorities revealed that the total amount transacted through the account was around ₹3.5 crore, highlighting the scale of the operation.
The account in question was a joint account held by two individuals identified as Salim and Javed. According to the police, both individuals had allegedly allowed their bank accounts to be used by the fraud network in exchange for a commission ranging between 2 to 3 percent.
Investigators found that these accounts were being used by a larger “Digital Arrest” network to route money collected from victims, making them a key link in the scam.
Further investigation into the financial transactions and connections led the police to identify three more suspects believed to be involved in the network. Acting on the findings, the police arrested Javed, while efforts are ongoing to track down other individuals linked to the case.
DCP Sachin Sharma stated that the investigation is still in progress, and authorities are working to uncover the full extent of the network, including its operators and additional beneficiaries.
He emphasized that such cyber fraud networks often involve multiple layers, including account holders, handlers, and masterminds, making detailed financial tracking essential.
The “Digital Arrest” scam is part of a growing trend in cybercrime, where fraudsters impersonate officials or authorities and create fear among victims to extort money. Police have repeatedly advised citizens to remain cautious and verify any such claims before transferring money.
The busting of this network marks a significant step in curbing cyber fraud activities, with Delhi Police continuing its efforts to dismantle such organised digital crime operations.
