In a major breakthrough, Berhampur Cyber Police have arrested Shishpar alias Subhash, an interstate cybercriminal, in connection with the Rs 34.5 lakh digital arrest fraud case. This scam involved impersonation of CBI officers and coercing a victim into transferring money under false charges of money laundering.
The investigation, led by the Cyber Crime & Economic Offences Police Station in Berhampur, identified two key accused: Subhash and Govindram alias Goverdhanram (35), both from Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Subhash was apprehended in Bhuj, Gujarat, with the help of the Bhuj City B Division Police, and later transferred to Berhampur following a transit warrant from the SDJM Court.
Govindram remains in custody in Rajasthan, with procedures underway to bring him to Berhampur for further investigation.
The case originated from a January 29, 2025 complaint filed by a resident of Kukudakhandi. The victim was deceived by cybercriminals who falsely accused him of money laundering and placed him under so-called “digital arrest,” pressuring him to transfer Rs 34.5 lakh for a fake “priority investigation.”
The dedicated Berhampur police team, consisting of SI R.K. Dash, Hav. P.N. Raju, and Constables A. Panigrahy and K.K. Nayak, facilitated Subhash’s custody transfer. During the investigation, police managed to freeze Rs 4.5 lakh in Bhuj Cooperative Bank and Rs 17.94 lakh in SBI Mehgaon branch. The SDJM Court has since ordered the release of these funds.
In a related case, a Rs 2.38 crore digital arrest scam has also been reported at Cobab Mahany Police Station, underscoring the growing threat of such frauds across India.
Berhampur SP Dr. Saravana Vivek M has issued a warning to the public, urging people to be vigilant against suspicious messages or calls threatening digital arrests or offering fake investment opportunities.
“Always verify the authenticity of such offers before investing. Report suspicious activities immediately to the Cyber Helpline 1930 or the nearest police station,” said Dr. Vivek.
