New Delhi: Delhi Police have arrested 11 people for their alleged involvement in a cybercrime syndicate linked to digital arrest scams and the supply of mule bank accounts used to route fraud proceeds. The arrests followed a complaint by a 69-year-old retired scientist and former director in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, who allegedly lost ₹1.25 crore to fraudsters impersonating law enforcement officials.
According to police, the victim received a call on August 14 from people posing as officers of the Delhi Police, the Anti-Terrorism Squad and the National Investigation Agency. They allegedly claimed his Aadhaar details had been linked to a money-laundering case and threatened him with arrest. Under the pretext of verifying his funds, the accused allegedly persuaded him to transfer ₹1,25,09,000 to three bank accounts while keeping him under continuous video surveillance.
The investigation led police to a group allegedly operating a bank account in the name of M/s MR Traders in Dwarka, Delhi. Investigators found Telegram conversations and an application suspected of forwarding SMS messages, including one-time passwords, to cybercriminals. Police said the network had links to handlers in Cambodia and other Southeast Asian countries.
The probe has also uncovered links to 78 complaints registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal across multiple states, involving an alleged total of ₹73 crore. Police further said ₹7.25 crore was secured in a separate digital arrest case involving a 79-year-old man in Andhra Pradesh. Six mobile phones and other digital evidence were seized. Further investigation is underway.
Reader’s Note: Fraudsters may impersonate police officers, central agencies or other government authorities to intimidate victims with threats of arrest. Remember that legitimate investigations do not require you to transfer money to prove your innocence. Never share banking credentials or OTPs, and do not transfer funds under pressure. If you suspect cyber fraud, call 1930 or report it at cybercrime.gov.in immediately.
