Delhi Police Bust Interstate Cyber Fraud Network, 4 Arrested

The Delhi Police has uncovered a well-organised interstate cyber fraud network, arresting four individuals linked to separate cases of online investment fraud and so-called “digital arrest” scams. The cases, officials said, involved sophisticated financial layering and coordinated operations spread across multiple states.

Investigators revealed that the accused exploited social media platforms, fear-based impersonation tactics and mule bank accounts to siphon off large sums before victims realised they had been deceived.

Investment Scam Run Through Social Media Groups

In one case, a resident of east Delhi’s Laxmi Nagar was allegedly cheated of ₹31.45 lakh through a fake investment scheme. Police said the victim was added to a social media group that promised unusually high returns and was persuaded to install a fraudulent trading application.

Once the money was transferred to multiple bank accounts, the app stopped working and the group went silent. During the investigation, police traced the funds through six mule accounts, a method commonly used to hide the final beneficiaries.

Raids in Punjab led to the arrest of two first-layer account holders who had allowed their bank accounts to be used for routing the money. Further financial analysis uncovered a second-layer operator based in Gujarat, who allegedly earned commission for facilitating the transactions.

‘Digital Arrest’ Scam Targeting a US Citizen

In a separate case, a US citizen reported being targeted by fraudsters posing as officials from the US Embassy and Delhi Police. Through threatening calls and video interactions, the scammers falsely claimed she was under investigation and under “digital arrest.”

Under pressure, the victim transferred nearly ₹30 lakh to accounts provided by the fraudsters. The money trail eventually led investigators to a firm in Punjab, resulting in the arrest of one of its partners identified as a key beneficiary.

How Cyber Fraud Networks Operate

Senior police officials said both cases demonstrate how modern cybercrime networks function in layers. Money is rapidly moved through multiple accounts to avoid detection, with each participant earning a cut for their role.

Such cases underline the growing importance of financial scrutiny, internal controls and post-incident reviews -areas where structured oversight similar to auditing services in india plays a critical role in identifying irregular transactions and preventing misuse of banking channels.

Rising Challenge for Law Enforcement

Police acknowledged that while arrests are being made, the challenge is increasing as digital payments and online platforms become more widespread. Investigators are now examining links between these cases and other similar frauds reported across Delhi-NCR.

Officials stressed that early reporting, swift freezing of accounts and public awareness are essential to limiting financial damage.

Public Advisory

Delhi Police reiterated that citizens should be cautious of unsolicited investment offers and calls claiming to be from police, embassies or investigative agencies demanding money. Victims of cyber fraud are advised to immediately report incidents via the 1930 cybercrime helpline or the cybercrime.gov.in portal.