Rs 58 cr digital arrest: Cops find international network with links to China, Hong Kong, Indonesia

Mumbai, Nov 11 (PTI) The Maharashtra Cyber Department probing the Rs 58 crore digital arrest case in Mumbai has found an international network with links extending to Hong Kong, China and Indonesia, an official said on Tuesday.

In one of India's biggest reported digital arrest scams, cyber fraudsters siphoned off Rs 58 crore from a Mumbai-based businessman by posing as Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials between August 19 to October 8 this year.

The entire racket operated through cryptocurrency transactions with the stolen funds routed abroad via multiple crypto wallets, the official said.

Investigators found that the gang worked through a series of commission-based bank accounts.

The scam came to light after a Mumbai businessman filed a complaint stating he had received a phone call from someone claiming to be a CBI officer. The caller intimidated him into joining a video call under the guise of an official inquiry and, over several hours, managed to siphon off Rs 58 crore from his accounts.

During the investigation, the cyber police found that it was not an isolated case but part of a large international syndicate that has been targeting Indian citizens for over a year, the official said.

Officials estimate that scams of this nature may have collectively generated more than Rs 2,000 crore, exploiting victims across India through digital arrest tactics and cryptocurrency manipulation, he added.

'Digital arrest' is a growing form of cyber crime in which fraudsters pose as law enforcement officials or personnel of government agencies and intimidate victims through audio/video calls. They hold the victims hostage and put pressure on them to pay money.

Maharashtra Cyber is a nodal agency for cyber-security and cyber investigation for the state. PTI ZA NP