The Vadakara Cyber Police in Kerala have arrested two individuals—Muhammed Shanish of Thamarassery and Muhammed Janeesh of Madavoor—in connection with a digital arrest scam involving Rs18 lakh in extorted funds.
The incident, which took place in February, involved a victim and her son who were manipulated into believing they were accused in a money laundering case. The fraudsters claimed the victims were under “digital arrest” and would face criminal prosecution unless they complied with instructions.
Fearing legal trouble, the victims transferred Rs18 lakh in multiple installments to fake bank accounts created by the accused. The entire operation was part of a well-organized cyber fraud, designed to extort money by impersonating law enforcement and judicial authorities.
Police are currently analyzing the bank transactions and account details used in the fraud. Preliminary investigations also reveal that both accused have other pending cases in Koduvally, suggesting they may be part of a larger cyber crime network.
The arrests underscore the growing trend of digital impersonation scams, where criminals use fear and fake legal threats to swindle unsuspecting individuals, especially in financially vulnerable households.
