The Intelligence Fusion & Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit of the Delhi Police has busted an international cybercrime gang that scammed an elderly couple of Rs 14.84 crore in a sophisticated “digital arrest” fraud. Officials revealed that the gang, operating from Cambodia and Nepal, targeted victims using fake law enforcement identities and psychological intimidation.

Eight members of the organised network were arrested in simultaneous operations across Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha. The accused included MBA and B.Com graduates, NGO operators, private tutors, and financial service providers, all of whom provided mule accounts and helped transfer funds for the international gang.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Vineet Kumar detailed that the 77-year-old victim received a call on December 24 from someone posing as a CBI officer, claiming a SIM card registered in her name was linked to a money laundering case. The victim and her husband were kept on continuous WhatsApp video calls, shown fake arrest warrants, and intimidated not to contact anyone.

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The gang staged fake court proceedings, created a mock CBI office, and even presented a person as a lawyer to pressure the victims. Under duress, the couple transferred all their savings, including fixed deposits and share investments, across eight transactions into accounts the scammers labeled as “RBI verification accounts.”

Investigation traced digital footprints, bank accounts, and technical surveillance to identify the mule accounts. Patel Divyang from Vadodara was first apprehended, with approximately Rs 4 crore in his account. Further raids led to the arrests of Arun Tiwari from Varanasi and other accomplices who facilitated money layering and transfers for the international network.

Delhi Police have warned the public against falling prey to “digital arrest” scams or fake calls from purported CBI or police officers. Citizens are urged to report suspicious calls or messages immediately to the authorities and to verify any claims independently before transferring money.

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