‘Digital arrest’ scam nets over ₹1.1 crore; two more accused held, total arrests rise to 16

Rajkot police uncover layered money trail as cybercrime network expands across states

Rajkot: Police have arrested two more accused in a high-value cyber fraud case involving a so-called “digital arrest”, taking the total number of arrests to 16. The case pertains to the alleged extortion of more than ₹1.1 crore from a 76-year-old city resident, officials said on Tuesday.

The newly arrested individuals have been identified as Shankar Rajput (27) and Shubham Raghuvirsinh (30), both residents of Karnal, Haryana. Investigators said the duo played a key role in facilitating the movement and withdrawal of funds through a network of bank accounts used to launder the defrauded money.

How the fraud was executed

According to police, the case came to light in November 2025 after the elderly victim approached the Rajkot cybercrime police station. The fraud allegedly began on October 29, when the victim received a call from a person claiming to be from a telecom company.

The caller falsely accused him of involvement in child pornography, online gambling and cyber terrorism, and threatened disconnection of services. When the victim denied the allegations, he was directed to contact the Mumbai Crime Branch for verification.

Unable to travel due to his age, the victim was instead connected to another caller via phone and later a WhatsApp video call, where an impersonator posing as a police sub-inspector appeared in uniform. The caller demanded identity documents, including the victim’s Aadhaar card, and alleged that his credentials were being used in money laundering cases.

Psychological pressure and isolation

Police said the fraudsters escalated intimidation by warning that the victim could be arrested at any moment and that his daughters, settled abroad, could be forcibly brought back to India. The victim was kept under constant surveillance through repeated calls and video interactions for over a week and instructed not to speak to anyone else.

During this period, he was coerced into transferring money in multiple instalments to various bank accounts shared by the accused.

Money trail and role of the accused

Investigators revealed that Shubham Raghuvirsinh, who had earlier worked as a sales manager with a private bank, allegedly helped open a bank account in the name of Shankar Rajput. Nearly ₹1 crore of the cheated amount was routed through this account before being withdrawn and layered across other accounts to obscure the trail.

Police are now analysing transaction records, call detail records and digital evidence to identify remaining links and beneficiaries in the network, which is believed to span multiple States.

Broader pattern and warning

Prior to the latest arrests, 14 accused had already been taken into custody. Officials said the gang specifically targeted elderly individuals by exploiting fear of legal consequences and unfamiliarity with digital procedures.

Cybercrime experts note that such scams thrive on intimidation and impersonation, and that early detection of irregular fund movements - supported by disciplined financial practices and reconciliation mechanisms, including Bookkeeping services in India - can significantly limit losses and aid investigations.

Police advisory

Rajkot police reiterated that law enforcement agencies do not conduct arrests or investigations over phone or video calls. Citizens have been advised:

• Not to share personal or financial information with unknown callers

• Not to transfer money under threat or pressure

• To report suspicious calls immediately to cybercrime police or the national cyber helpline 1930

Officials said timely reporting improves the chances of tracing funds and dismantling organised cybercrime networks.