₹58 Crore Digital Arrest Scam Exposed: Major Laundering Trail Found

Mumbai: Maharashtra Cyber has cracked open one of India’s biggest digital-arrest scams, where a 72-year-old businessman was coerced into transferring **₹58.13 crore** after fraudsters impersonated law-enforcement officers. Investigators have uncovered a vast network of mule accounts and cross-border laundering routes.

How Criminals Executed the Fraud

The scammers posed as officials from agencies such as the CBI and ED, using threatening calls, video conferences, and forged documents to place the victim under a fabricated “digital arrest.” Over 40 days, they compelled him to transfer his funds to accounts supposedly meant for verification.

6,500 Mule Accounts & Overseas Laundering

The stolen money moved through **more than 6,500 mule accounts** before being routed to shell firms, including Jai Bhavani Mechanical Works in Gujarat. A significant trail — **₹15.25 crore** — has been tracked to accounts used for international crypto transfers to Hong Kong, China, and Indonesia.

26 Arrests and Ongoing Crackdown

Authorities have arrested **26 individuals** so far, including operators of key mule accounts. Cybercrime teams are now coordinating with international agencies to follow the crypto trail and freeze foreign assets.

What Is a Digital Arrest Scam?

Digital-arrest scams involve criminals impersonating government agencies and threatening citizens with legal action. Victims are intimidated into remaining isolated while being forced to transfer funds for “investigation” or “verification.”

Safety Advice for Citizens

• No government agency conducts arrests over calls or video chats.
• Never transfer money under threat or pressure.
• Verify all claims directly via official phone numbers or local police.
• Do not share OTPs, banking details, or personal documents with unknown callers.

Shunyatax Global Advisory

As digital fraud becomes increasingly sophisticated, Shunyatax Global Services urges readers to stay informed and cautious. Our platform continues to track and analyze financial-crime trends to help you remain protected.

For more expert insights, visit Shunyatax Global — your trusted source for financial and policy intelligence.