In a startling case of cyber fraud, three individuals posing as officers of the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) were arrested for allegedly cheating a couple of Rs90 lakh through a sophisticated “digital arrest” scam.
The accused — Mayank Srivastava, Irshad, and Manish Kumar alias Akash — were taken into custody following an investigation by the Uttar Pradesh Police.
How the ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam Worked
According to police officials, the fraudsters impersonated officers of the Anti-Terrorism Squad and used intimidation tactics to convince the victims that they were facing serious legal consequences.
The accused allegedly created fake documents and staged a so-called “digital arrest,” pressuring the couple into believing that immediate financial compliance was necessary to avoid legal trouble. Under duress, the victims transferred Rs90 lakh to bank accounts specified by the fraudsters between January 29 and February 9.
Swift Action by Lucknow Cyber Police
The complaint was registered at the Cyber Crime Police Station Lucknow, which launched a detailed probe into the matter. Investigators tracked financial transactions and digital footprints, eventually leading to the arrest of the three accused.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant and warned against falling victim to similar scams involving fake law enforcement claims or so-called digital arrests. Police emphasized that legitimate agencies do not demand money through phone calls or online threats.
