8 held for ‘digital arrest’ fraud targeting TDP MLA in Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Cyber crime police arrested eight persons, including two private bank managers, for allegedly confining Mydukur TDP MLA Putta Sudhakar Yadav and his wife to their Banjara Hills home for three days in a ‘digital arrest’ fraud in October.
Accused posed as Mumbai police, cited money laundering claims
Police said the group, fully aware that the target was an MLA, impersonated Mumbai police officials and accused him of involvement in money laundering. They allegedly referenced his election and claimed they had complete details of his “illegal activities”, pressuring him to follow their instructions.
Fearing official action, the MLA transferred ₹1.07 crore to the fraudsters through multiple transactions. After three days, the callers disconnected and became unreachable, causing suspicion.
Victim realised fraud after speaking to police
“After the accused stopped the calls, the MLA tried to contact them but the number was unavailable. He then discussed the matter with police and learnt that he had become a victim of cyber fraud,” Hyderabad cyber crime police told TOI.
Based on the transaction trail, investigators tracked and arrested eight persons from Lucknow, Vijayawada and Delhi. Police said the accused operated from hotels in these cities while executing the fraud.
Stolen money yet to be recovered
Although the arrests were made a week ago, the case surfaced on Monday. Police said none of the defrauded money has been recovered so far.
