Greater Chennai Police have arrested a 40-year-old man in connection with a 'digital arrest' cyber fraud case, where a 60-year-old resident was cheated of over ₹1 crore through intimidation and false claims of legal trouble. The Cyber Crime Police Station of the Central Crime Branch (CCB) made the arrest on March 11 or 12, 2026, following a complaint lodged by the victim, Sathiamoorthy, from Nolambur in the city.

According to police, the fraud began when scammers contacted the senior citizen, posing as law enforcement officials and placing him under a so-called 'digital arrest.' They allegedly used threats, fabricated evidence, and psychological pressure to convince him that his bank accounts were linked to serious crimes, such as money laundering or other illegal activities. Under duress, the victim transferred a total of ₹1,00,07,000 via multiple transactions to various bank accounts provided by the fraudsters.

The arrest marks a swift response by Chennai's cyber crime unit, which traced the suspect through investigation of the mule accounts and transaction trails. The accused is believed to have been part of a larger syndicate employing the 'digital arrest' tactic, a rising form of cyber fraud in India where victims are kept under virtual surveillance via video calls and coerced into compliance over extended periods. Police recovered evidence including mobile phones and documents during the operation.

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This incident highlights the vulnerability of senior citizens to sophisticated online scams, particularly those exploiting fear of legal consequences. Authorities have urged the public to verify any suspicious calls claiming to be from police or agencies, and to never share financial details or transfer money based on unsolicited threats. The CCB emphasized that genuine law enforcement never demands funds or conducts investigations via phone in this manner.

The case is part of a broader pattern of 'digital arrest' frauds reported across India, often targeting elderly individuals with savings or fixed deposits. Chennai police continue their probe to identify accomplices and recover the defrauded amount, while advising residents to report such incidents immediately to the cyber crime helpline or local stations to aid quick action.

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