The Madanapalle police in Annamayya district have dismantled a major international cyber-fraud syndicate operating under “digital arrest” scams, impersonating CBI and ED officers. Three key suspects — Patan Imtiyaz Khan, Sheikh Ameen, and Sheikh Arshad — were apprehended on Monday, December 1, 2025.
At a press conference, SP Dheeraj Kunubilli revealed that the gang was part of a wider network operating from Cambodia and Kuwait, targeting vulnerable individuals across India with intimidating video calls. The accused allegedly tricked 75-year-old retired nurse Repuri Benjamin from Madanapalle by claiming his PAN card was used to open fraudulent bank accounts. They coerced him into transferring Rs48 lakh on July 25, threatening imminent arrest with fake receipts and claims that CBI teams were “waiting outside his home.”
The police recovered Rs32 lakh in cash, 25 ATM cards, three mobile phones, and four SIM cards from the suspects. Another Rs7.65 lakh was frozen in various bank accounts. SP Kunubilli noted that the gang executed a well-planned operation, rerouting victims’ funds through multiple accounts, withdrawing cash via ATMs, and using CDM machines while erasing all digital traces on platforms like WhatsApp.
The breakthrough occurred after cyber cell units and the Madanapalle special police team tracked hawala-style money flows and analyzed device locations. SP Kunubilli praised Deputy SP S. Mahendra, Circle-Inspector Mohammed Rafi, Sub-Inspectors Ansar Basha and Shivakumar, and cyber cell personnel for their precise coordination and swift action.
A deeper investigation is underway to trace the gang’s overseas handlers, and special units are working to prevent further incidents of “digital arrest” scams. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant against such cyber frauds.
