Mumbai Cyber Police (North Region) have arrested two active members of a cybercrime gang that posed as senior cops and extorted large sums of money from senior citizens by fabricating false money laundering cases and arrest threats.

On October 9, the Mumbai Cyber Police registered following a complaint filed by a retired bank employee who lost around Rs 50.50 lakh in a `digital arrest` fraud.

According to a police officer, the fraud occurred between September 11 and 24. One of the arrested men allegedly contacted the complainant through WhatsApp and video calls, posing as a Nashik Police officer. He falsely accused the victim of being involved in a money laundering case, claiming that funds in his bank account were being used for illegal activities.

Speaking on the fraud, a police officer said, “To make the allegations seem genuine, the fraudster sent forged documents via WhatsApp, including letters bearing official seals, the victim’s name, Aadhaar number, a fake first information report (FIR) and even a counterfeit Indian Police Service (IPS) officer identity card. The complainant and his wife were allegedly threatened with immediate arrest and told that they were under surveillance.”

Under the pretext of verifying their bank details, the accused extracted sensitive financial information and tricked the complainant into transferring Rs 50.50 lakh to multiple accounts.

Investigation and arrest

The police investigation revealed that Rs 29.50 lakh was first transferred into beneficiary accounts linked to the accused. One such account holder from Ulhasnagar admitted to providing his bank details to the accused for a commission. The money was then routed to several other accounts.

Using technical analysis, the officers traced and arrested two suspects Amit Ananda Gadkar (35) and Rishikesh Vinayak Jadhav (30).

The accused were produced in court and remanded in police custody for further investigation and recovery of the remaining fraud amount.

The operation was carried out under the guidance of Police Commissioner (CP) Dev Bharat, Joint CP (Crime) Lakhmi Gautam, Additional CP (Crime) Nilesh Salunkhe, Deputy CP PM Phulkaram and Additional Commissioner SK Ingale and officers Manoj Sonawane, UP Gholap, SK More, PM Kulkarni, PP Shinde, and PK Khade.

Advisory for citizens: How to avoid ‘digital arrest’ frauds

Do’s

– Remember that police/Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)/Intelligence Bureau (IB)/Reserve Bank of India (RBI) never send arrest warrants or confidential information through digital means.

– Never pay money to avoid arrest under Indian law.

– Do not share your bank or fixed deposit details with unknown callers.

– If threatened with arrest, immediately contact the nearest police station or call the cyber helpline 1930. You can also visit sancharsaathi.gov.in.

Source