The Gwalior Police Crime Branch has arrested four men from Delhi in connection with a Rs2.52 crore cyber fraud that targeted a retired radiologist from the Indian Air Force.
According to investigators, the victim was allegedly duped by fraudsters impersonating officers of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The scammers reportedly placed the doctor under a so-called “digital arrest” for 27 days, keeping him under constant surveillance through video calls and instructing him not to contact anyone.
During this period of intimidation and psychological pressure, the victim was convinced to transfer Rs2.52 crore.
Police revealed that the amount was initially routed through five bank accounts in Delhi, Noida, Varanasi and Guntur (Andhra Pradesh). It was then further distributed to more than 300 accounts spread across 15 states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Assam and Karnataka.
During financial scrutiny, investigators found significant transactions in a current account linked to a Delhi-based firm named “Jingga Crunch and Snacks.”
The Crime Branch traced the firm and detained Mohit Mishra and Shahil Khan from their shops in Delhi. During questioning, the duo claimed the firm had been opened at the behest of Rahul Prajapati and Harish Yadav.
Police said the company was created solely to open a current account for routing fraudulent transactions. The account reportedly remained active for about a month before being closed. Mohit and Shahil allegedly received Rs2.5 lakh as commission for allowing the firm to be used.
Based on further leads, Rahul Prajapati and Harish Yadav were also arrested. They are believed to be agents responsible for setting up mule accounts used in cyber fraud operations.
All four accused have been brought to Gwalior for further questioning.
Officials described the case as a significant breakthrough in cracking a “digital arrest” scam — a growing cybercrime tactic where fraudsters impersonate central agencies to extort money through fear and coercion.
Further investigation is underway to identify other members of the network.
