In a significant breakthrough, the Cyber Crime Police have arrested Yaramalla Venkateswarulu, a 53-year-old jeweller from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, for his involvement in a major digital fraud case. The arrest follows a complaint lodged by a woman from Siolim, Goa, who had fallen victim to an elaborate scam.
The victim reported receiving a WhatsApp call from a person posing as an inspector from the Delhi Crime Branch. The scammer falsely claimed that a police complaint had been filed against her and showed forged documents purportedly from the Supreme Court, which indicated a “digital arrest” was imminent. To avoid legal consequences, the fraudster demanded a payment of Rs1 crore, to be transferred in three separate transactions.
Following the investigation, authorities were able to trace Rs40 lakh of the stolen amount to Venkateswarulu’s bank account. His account was promptly frozen, and he was apprehended in Vijayawada. The suspect was then brought to the Cyber Crime Police Station for further questioning and formal arrest.
Akshat Ayush (IPS), Additional Superintendent of Police for Cyber Crime, confirmed the arrest at a press briefing, urging the public to remain vigilant about such fraudulent activities.
The Cyber Crime Police of Goa have issued a cautionary note, advising citizens to verify the identity of any callers claiming to be law enforcement officials.