Police have arrested two Mumbai-based cybercrime suspects for allegedly cheating Bishop Kishore Kujur of the Catholic Diocese of Rourkela of ₹14.36 lakh through a “digital arrest” scam involving impersonation of police and Central Bureau of Investigation officials.
According to investigators, the accused allegedly convinced the bishop that his name, mobile number and bank account had been linked to criminal activities, including money laundering and terror financing. He was then persuaded to transfer money under the pretext of legal processing and a refundable security deposit.
Fake Police and CBI Calls Used to Create Fear
Police said the fraud began with a caller posing as a Mumbai Police officer. The caller allegedly claimed that a mobile number registered in the bishop’s name had been used in multiple criminal cases during January 2026.
Another person later joined through a video call while allegedly impersonating a senior IPS officer from Mumbai. Investigators said the caller claimed that the bishop’s bank account in Mumbai had been connected to suspicious financial activity.
The bishop was then allegedly connected to another fraudster posing as a CBI investigating officer, who claimed that the account had been used to transfer money to a person named Naresh Goyal, allegedly linked to money laundering and terror financing.
Fake Supreme Court Warrant Shown
According to police, the accused allegedly showed the bishop a fake copy of a non-bailable warrant purportedly issued by the Supreme Court.
The callers reportedly warned him that he was under CBI surveillance and instructed him to submit activity updates every three hours. They also allegedly told him that he would have to appear either before the Supreme Court or at a police station in Mumbai.
Investigators said the scammers then claimed that a priority investigation could be arranged if he paid legal charges.
₹14.36 Lakh Transferred in Two Instalments
Police said the bishop was persuaded to transfer ₹36,500 for filing a supposed petition in the Supreme Court and ₹14 lakh as a refundable security deposit.
The total amount was transferred electronically in two instalments.
After realising that he had been deceived, the bishop lodged a complaint with the Rourkela Cyber Crime and Economic Offences Police Station on March 10. A case was registered, and the cyber wing launched an investigation.
Technical Probe Leads to Mumbai Arrests
Investigators analysed bank transactions, mobile numbers, beneficiary accounts and other digital evidence to trace the suspects.
Police identified two accused based in Mumbai, both described as GST brokers. They were arrested in Mumbai and brought to Rourkela for further investigation.
Authorities said the bank accounts used to receive the money were allegedly linked to a wider cyber fraud network operating across multiple states.
The investigation remains ongoing to identify additional handlers, account operators and financial beneficiaries connected to the alleged racket.
Shunyatax Global Insight
Digital arrest scams are among the fastest-growing forms of cyber-enabled extortion in India. Fraudsters exploit fear by impersonating police, CBI, ED, customs or court officials and use fake warrants, video calls and legal threats to pressure victims into transferring money. Citizens should remember that no law enforcement agency conducts arrests, surveillance orders or court proceedings through WhatsApp or video calls. Any such demand should be immediately reported to the National Cyber Crime Helpline 1930.
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