In a major breakthrough against cybercrime, Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police have arrested two men from Gujarat in connection with a “digital arrest” scam that led to the extortion of over Rs1.95 crore from a woman.
The accused have been identified as Saiyad Soyab Jahid Bhai and Belim Anas Rahim Bhai, both residents of Bhavnagar, Gujarat. Police officials said the duo played a critical role in facilitating the cyber fraud by operating multiple mule bank accounts used to receive and siphon off the defrauded money.
According to V. Aravind Babu, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Cyber Crime, the stolen funds were eventually transferred to Dubai-based cyber fraudsters through hawala networks, highlighting the international dimension of the scam.
The case came to light after the victim lodged a complaint on December 13, stating that she was trapped under the pretext of a “digital arrest.” She received multiple phone calls from unknown individuals impersonating officials from government and telecom departments. By falsely accusing her husband of serious criminal offences and threatening immediate arrest, the fraudsters created fear and psychological pressure.
Using staged calls and multiple fake identities, the scammers gained her trust and instructed her to transfer money under the guise of currency verification, case inquiry, and clearance procedures. Acting under coercion, the victim transferred Rs1,95,76,000 via RTGS from her bank accounts to accounts provided by the fraudsters.
Police investigations revealed that Jahid Bhai assisted in opening mule bank accounts, facilitated withdrawals of fraud proceeds, and received a 15% commission on deposits routed through accounts under his control. Rahim Bhai, meanwhile, acted on instructions from higher-level operatives, managed mule accounts, and ensured smooth overseas transfers through hawala channels.
Authorities noted that both accused are habitual cyber offenders, with the bank accounts linked to them appearing in 22 cybercrime cases. Transactions worth approximately Rs3.5 crore were routed through these accounts.
Police officials reiterated that digital arrest scams are on the rise and urged citizens to remain vigilant, stressing that no government agency conducts arrests or investigations over phone calls.
