How Did Cyber Police Uncover a Major Digital Arrest Scam?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Cyber Police are actively combating digital fraud.
- Victims must remain vigilant against impersonation scams.
- Technical surveillance plays a crucial role in uncovering fraud.
- Collaboration between different police units is essential for justice.
- Ongoing investigations could reveal a larger network of criminals.
New Delhi, July 19 (NationPress) In a significant development, the Cyber Police Station of Central District has dismantled a notorious ‘Digital Arrest’ scam operation, resulting in the arrest of two suspects from different locations across the country.
The individuals allegedly deceived a doctor from Delhi out of Rs 14.85 lakh through a fabricated legal threat. As reported by the police, the victim received a call from someone masquerading as a government official, falsely asserting that the doctor was implicated in a legal matter.
Under intense pressure and fearing imminent arrest, the victim was manipulated into transferring Rs 14.85 lakh to bank accounts controlled by the fraudsters.
Upon receiving a complaint, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered under IPC sections 170, 384, 388, 420, and 120B. A specialized team, headed by ACP Operations Suresh Khunga and led by Inspector Sandeep Panwar, was formed.
Utilizing technical surveillance and examining digital footprints, the police apprehended one Md. Sahin Khan near Victoria Hospital in Bangalore on July 2. Khan confessed to sharing his bank account, including internet banking credentials, cheque book, and ATM card, with Buddhadev Hazara for a commission of Rs 1.5 lakh.
Hazara was subsequently located and arrested in Kolkata. During questioning, Hazara, an MBA graduate from Ghaziabad and former bank loan department employee, admitted to facilitating corporate accounts for online scams under the influence of someone named “John” from Barrackpore. He received a total of Rs 3 lakh, half of which was shared with Khan.
The police have seized four mobile phones from the suspects. They are also probing ten additional similar reports from various parts of India associated with the same bank accounts.
Efforts are underway to track down “John” and other individuals involved in the broader digital fraud scheme, as well as to recover the lost funds.