Lucknow: The Lucknow Police Commissionerate has launched Operation Digital Kavach, a coordinated campaign to crack down on “digital arrest” scams through faster investigations, immediate financial intervention, recovery of stolen money, arrests and public awareness.
The initiative, led by the Crime Branch, focuses on acting quickly after victims report cyber fraud. Investigators are examining technical evidence, bank transactions and money trails to identify fraudsters and uncover their wider networks, including those operating across state borders.
Police are also working with banks and financial institutions to place suspicious transactions on hold or lien, with the aim of preventing further movement of stolen funds and helping victims recover their money.
The move comes amid growing cases of fraudsters impersonating police officers, CBI officials, Enforcement Directorate personnel, TRAI representatives and other government authorities. Victims are often threatened with arrest, fake criminal cases or money-laundering allegations and pressured into transferring money during video calls.
According to police, between August 1 and August 20, the cyber cell managed to place ₹2.40 crore on hold or lien in connection with cybercrime complaints. During the same period, ₹16.97 lakh was refunded to victims through coordinated financial intervention. The Cyber Police Station also facilitated the return of ₹24 lakh to victims.
Police have urged anyone targeted by cyber fraud to immediately report the incident by calling 1930, the national cybercrime helpline. Quick reporting can improve the chances of blocking or recovering the money.
As part of the awareness drive, police are stressing that there is no legal process called “digital arrest.” No police officer or government agency can arrest someone through a video call or demand money to prevent an arrest or close a criminal case.
The Crime Branch is also promoting a special UP Police awareness film featuring actor Nana Patekar, explaining how digital arrest scams work and how people can protect themselves. Citizens have been encouraged to share the film, especially with elderly family members who are frequently targeted.
ADCP Crime Kiran Yadav, IPS, said the operation covers the entire response chain—from identifying fraud and tracing money to recovery, arrest and public awareness. She urged citizens not to panic when threatened with a “digital arrest”, but to independently verify the caller’s identity and report the fraud immediately.
Police message: Stay alert, verify independently and report cyber fraud immediately on 1930.
