The cyber crime branch of Noida Police has arrested six individuals in Rajasthan for their involvement in a scam that operated through 73 fraudulent bank accounts used to siphon money from victims. The suspects are part of a gang known as the “digital arrest” gang, which impersonated investigating officers to extort money online.
The arrests were prompted by a complaint from Pramod Kumar, a 67-year-old resident of Sector 76 in Noida, who was defrauded of Rs52.50 lakh on May 9. Kumar reported receiving a call from an unidentified number, which led to a WhatsApp video call. During this call, he was falsely informed that his parcel contained illegal drugs and identity cards.
During a 24-hour-long video call, Kumar was allegedly blackmailed into believing he was part of a terrorist organization and was subjected to a fake “digital arrest.” The scammers threatened him with a fake notice of imprisonment if he disclosed their activities to anyone.
On May 14, based on Kumar’s complaint, a case was filed under sections 419 (cheating by impersonation) and 420 (cheating and dishonesty) of the IPC, as well as the IT Act.
Following extensive surveillance and investigation, the police identified the mastermind of the gang, Kishan, a 23-year-old Bachelor of Physiotherapy student from Sikar, Rajasthan. His associates were also apprehended: Lakhan (23), Mahendra (23), Sanjay Sharma (32), Sambhu Dayal (41), all from Sidwana, and Praveen Jangid (31) from Jaipur.
Police seized seven mobile phones, a car, and fake Aadhaar cards from the suspects. The gang reportedly paid individuals from rural Rajasthan up to Rs3 lakh per month to use their bank accounts for the scams.
The investigation revealed that these bank accounts were flagged for fraudulent activity across 18 states, including Delhi. The suspects coordinated their operations through WhatsApp and Telegram groups, targeting victims nationwide.
Further interrogations are ongoing, and additional arrests are anticipated. ACP Vivek Ranjan urged the public to report cyber fraud incidents by dialing 1930.