`Digital arrest’ gang busted; Ahmedabad man held for duping Hyderabad resident of Rs 1.37 Cr

Hyderabad: Cyberabad Crime Police have arrested a person in Rs 1.37 crore ‘digital arrest’ fraud case.

DCP (Crimes) K Narasimha identified the accused as Suresh Kumar Babulal from Bapunagar, Ahmedabad. He along with Neeraj Sahu and Partipal Sinhaare, both absconding, are involved in the fraud.

Police seized a mobile phone with a SIM card and the original passbook of Bank of Baroda from Suresh Kumar’s possession, he said.

Brief facts

On September 27, a case was registered at Cyber Crime Police Station, Cyberabad by a 67-year-old man. He said on September 21 he received an automated call from a number. The scammers posed as Mumbai police officers who said he was engaged in money laundering.

The victim was forced to deposit Rs. 1.37 crore to bank accounts by the scammers, who accused him of committing a major crime. Ultimately, the victim transferred the money that the cybercriminals had demanded into Suresh Kumar's bank account. The police stated that they are working to apprehend Babulal and Sahu, the DCP said.

Narasimha further said that the investigation led by Inspector K Rami Reddy revealed that the fraudsters impersonated Law Enforcement Agencies. They alleged that the victim was involved in fraudulent activities and money laundering.

Public Advisory

The DCP advised the public to be cautious before sharing any personal information or transferring money and to always verify the identity of the caller. Law Enforcement Agencies would never request to share personal information or money on the pretext of arrest. Victims of cyber fraud can report by dialing 1930 or file a complaint by visiting the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, he added.