Has Odisha Police Capture a Cyber Criminal from Bengal?
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Synopsis
In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, Odisha Police arrested a 26-year-old fraudster from West Bengal for extorting over Rs 73 lakhs from a Paradip resident. This case highlights the increasing sophistication of digital fraud schemes, where criminals impersonate officials to deceive victims. Stay tuned for more updates on this ongoing investigation.
Key Takeaways
- Odisha Police arrested a cyber fraudster from West Bengal.
- The victim lost over Rs 73 lakhs in a digital fraud scheme.
- The fraudsters impersonated CBI and Delhi Police officials.
- Incriminating evidence was seized from the suspect.
- The investigation highlights the need for awareness about cybercrime.
Bhubaneswar, May 22 (NationPress) The Odisha Police has apprehended a cyber fraudster from West Bengal for allegedly extorting more than Rs 73 lakhs from a victim in Paradip, located in Jagatsinghpur district, through a scheme known as digital arrest fraud, as reported by the state Crime Branch on Thursday.
The suspect, identified as Rohit Kumar Jaiswal (26), hails from the Howrah region in West Bengal.
The victim, who is employed at a private firm, filed a complaint with the Cyber Crime Police Station of the Odisha Crime Branch on May 15, 2024. In his report, he stated that unknown cyber con artists, posing as officials from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Delhi Police, contacted him with false claims that a parcel addressed to him had been seized by Delhi Customs. This parcel supposedly contained several ATM cards, 15 Indian passports, two laptops, four kilograms of cloth, and MDMA drugs.
The fraudsters falsely asserted that the parcel, which was confiscated by Delhi customs, originated from Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, and was intended for Shanghai (China).
During the ordeal, the victim was subjected to a digital arrest lasting six days and was coerced into transferring a total of Rs 73,62,000 to bank accounts provided by the criminals, in a bid to clear his name and evade any legal repercussions.
Following the complaint, the Crime Branch initiated an investigation that led to the arrest of Jaiswal in the neighboring state of West Bengal.
The inquiry revealed that the fraudsters, masquerading as employees of DHL, CBI, and Delhi Police, managed to swindle Rs 73,62,000 from the victim.
The investigative team has confiscated various incriminating items, including mobile phones, SIM cards, Aadhar cards, and more from Jaiswal's possession. Additionally, the bank accounts associated with the fraudsters have been frozen.
Jaiswal has been placed under transit remand and is scheduled to be presented in court on Friday.
Point of View
This incident underscores the growing threat of cybercrime in India. As more individuals fall prey to sophisticated scams, it becomes crucial for authorities to enhance their cybersecurity measures and public awareness campaigns. The commitment of Odisha Police in swiftly addressing this case reflects a proactive approach in combating digital fraud.
NationPress
23/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the cyber fraudster do?
The cyber fraudster impersonated law enforcement officials to extort over Rs 73 lakhs from a victim by falsely claiming that a parcel containing illegal items was seized.
How did the victim get involved?
The victim was contacted by the fraudsters who falsely claimed that he was implicated in a legal case due to a seized parcel, leading him to transfer money to prove his innocence.
What actions have been taken against the accused?
The accused, Rohit Kumar Jaiswal, has been arrested, and various incriminating items have been seized. He is currently under transit remand.
How can people protect themselves from cyber fraud?
Individuals should be cautious of unsolicited calls and messages, verify the identity of contacts claiming to be officials, and report suspicious activities to the authorities.
What should I do if I fall victim to cyber fraud?
If you suspect you have been a victim of cyber fraud, report it immediately to local law enforcement or cybercrime units to initiate an investigation.
