Rs 1.95 crore Digital Arrest fraud busted in Hyderabad; two held, mule bank accounts seized
Police said the scammers made multiple staged phone calls, posing as officials from various departments
By - Newsmeter Network
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Hyderabad: The Hyderabad City Cyber Crime Police have busted a high-value ‘Digital Arrest’ cyber fraud involving Rs 1.95 crore.
The police arrested two persons from Gujarat for their alleged role in operating mule bank accounts and routing funds to overseas fraudsters.
Rs 1.95 crore fraud uncovered
According to police, the case pertains to a sophisticated cyber scam in which fraudsters impersonated government and telecom officials to intimidate a woman with threats of a so-called ‘digital arrest.’
Under pressure and fear, the victim was coerced into transferring Rs 1,95,76,000 via RTGS to bank accounts provided by the criminals.
Accused arrested in Gujarat
The arrested accused have been identified as Saiyad Soyab Jahid Bhai and Belim Anas Rahim Bhai. Both are residents of Bhavnagar and were arrested in Gujarat after a detailed investigation.
How the scam was executed
Police said the scammers made multiple staged phone calls, posing as officials from various departments.
By falsely alleging that the victim’s husband was involved in serious offences, they created panic and demanded money under the pretext of verification of currency serial numbers and case enquiry and clearance procedures.
Believing the claims, the victim transferred the amount from her bank accounts.
Modus operandi of the accused
Saiyad Soyab Jahid Bhai (Accused 3) helped open and operate mule bank accounts. He also facilitated the withdrawal of fraud proceeds and earned around 15 per cent commission on routed deposits.
Belim Anas Rahim Bhai (Accused 4) acted on instructions from higher-level operatives, managed mule accounts and ensured transfer of funds to Dubai-based cyber fraudsters through Hawala networks, the police said.
Seized bank accounts linked to 22 cybercrimes
Investigators found that the accused are habitual cyber offenders.
Bank accounts supplied by them are linked to 22 cybercrime cases across multiple states, including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh.
Transactions of nearly Rs 3.5 crore were traced through these mule accounts.
Seizures and investigation
Police seized two mobile phones used in committing the offence. The case has been registered as Cr. No. 2257/2025, and further investigation is underway to identify other members of the international fraud network.
Public advisory
Cyber Crime Police cautioned citizens against trusting unknown callers or messages on Telegram, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook or phone calls offering:
- Stock market investments with assured returns
- Task-based earning schemes
- Threats of ‘digital arrest’ or demands for verification money
Police reiterated that no government or law enforcement agency conducts digital arrests or demands money for verification.
In case of cyber fraud, the public should immediately report to the 1930 Cyber Crime Helpline and www.cybercrime.gov.in.
