Digital arrest fraud: Three held in Hyderabad for ₹37.70-lakh cybercheat
HYDERABAD: Cyber Crime Police, Hyderabad, arrested three men from Rajasthan in a “digital arrest” fraud case in which a city resident was coerced into transferring ₹37.70 lakh after being threatened by callers impersonating Telecom Department and police officials.
Police said the arrests were made in Crime No. 1181/2025 of the Cyber Crime police station.
Accused lured victim with fake ‘digital arrest’ threat
According to the complaint filed on July 11, 2025 at 12.30 IST, the fraudsters contacted the victim over phone, claimed he was involved in illegal activities, and warned him of a “digital arrest.”
Investigators said the callers used forged electronic documents and controlled several bank accounts as part of a coordinated operation.
They allegedly instructed the victim to transfer his savings into accounts they provided, stating the funds had to be “checked” and “verified” and would be returned after clearance from the Reserve Bank of India.
The victim transferred ₹37,70,000 as directed.
Three arrested from Sikar district
Police identified the arrested men as:
Mohammed Rijwan S/o Zakir Hussain, 20, student, resident of Ward No. 6, New Masjid Ke Pass, Churimiyan Gaon, Sikar district, Rajasthan.
Vikram Singh S/o Pappuram, 20, accounts supplier, resident of Ward No. 8, Churimiyan Gaon, Laxmangarh, Sikar district, Rajasthan.
Nikhil Kumar S/o Banshidhar, 19, student, resident of Temple Ke Piche, Almas Gaon, Sikar district, Rajasthan.
Police seized three mobile phones from the accused.
Accused linked to six cases across India
Investigators said the trio worked on commission for cyberfraud networks by sourcing and facilitating the use of bank accounts.
They are suspected to be connected to six cases across Tamil Nadu (two), Gujarat (one), Rajasthan (one) and Telangana (two).
A total of ₹3 crore was routed through the bank accounts handled by them, police said.
The operation was carried out by a team led by Inspector B. Srinivas, assisted by Sub-Inspector Mahipal and personnel B. Ravi Sankar, S. Ravi Kumar, Mohd. Iliyas, K. Sagar and N. Vinay Kumar, under the supervision of Assistant Commissioners of Police Shiva Maruthi and V. Jaipal Reddy.
Public advisory issued
Cyber Crime Police cautioned citizens against unknown callers claiming to represent government agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation, Reserve Bank of India, Enforcement Directorate, Customs, judiciary, Cyber Crime Police, Narcotics authorities, FedEx, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, Telecom Department or the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.
Police noted that no agency conducts enquiries over Skype or demands money for verification, and that no legal provision for a “digital arrest” or “online enquiry” exists.
Victims of cyberfraud have been advised to immediately call 1930 or report on https://cybercrime.gov.in/.
