Punjab Police’s Cybercrime Division has dismantled an inter-state gang involved in the ‘Digital Arrest’ cyber fraud, arresting two suspects, Najrul Ali and Midul Ali, from Assam’s Kamrup district. The gang is accused of duping victims across seven states of ₹15 crore, said DGP Gaurav Yadav on Monday.
The scam, known as ‘Digital Arrest,’ exploits fear by impersonating law enforcement officials to intimidate victims into transferring money under the pretense of clearing fabricated charges.
How it unfolded:
A 76-year-old retired government officer fell prey to the gang after being threatened on WhatsApp by fraudsters claiming to be from Mumbai Cyber Crime. Alleging his involvement in money laundering, they convinced him to transfer ₹76 lakh into multiple accounts to clear his name.
Operation details:
• The investigation revealed that the scam’s origins trace back to Cambodia and Hong Kong, where fake threat calls were initiated.
• Bank accounts, WhatsApp, and mobile numbers linked the suspects to 11 additional cyber fraud cases across seven states.
• The accused, Najrul Ali, owned the accounts where funds were first deposited, while Midul Ali provided documents for account opening.
Action taken:
A Punjab Police team arrested the suspects in Assam and brought them to Mohali for further questioning. Summons have also been issued to bank officials suspected of aiding the accused.
FIR registered:
• FIR No. 25, dated September 24, 2024
• Sections: 308(2), 318(4), 319(2), 61(2) (Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita) and 66(C), 66(D) (IT Act)
• Police Station: State Cyber Crime, SAS Nagar
Advisory for the public:
• Stay calm: Do not panic if accused of involvement in crimes over calls.
• Report fraud: Use sancharsaathi.gov.in or the local Cyber Crime Police Station.
• Protect details: Avoid sharing personal or bank information with unknown callers.
• Block numbers: Use DoT’s Chakshu portal to block and report fraudulent numbers.
The arrests mark significant progress in tackling cyber fraud and ensuring Punjab becomes a cyber-safe state, added ADGP Cybercrime Division V Neeraja.