The Cyber Crime Cell of South West Delhi Police has cracked a sophisticated scam that involved a frightening new type of cybercrime known as digital arrest. In this alarming incident, criminals posing as government officials managed to hold a retired officer in virtual custody for three days and swindle him out of a staggering amount of Rs 48.5 lakh.
After a painstaking investigation, three suspects have been apprehended and a web of shell companies with ties to Chinese operators has been brought to light. The perpetrators utilized WhatsApp video calls to impersonate officials from reputable agencies such as TRAI, CBI, Mumbai Police, and even Supreme Court judges. This elaborate scheme even included fabricated virtual court proceedings, as disclosed by the Delhi Police.
The elaborate hoax began on March 2, 2025, when the victim, identified as Baliram, a retired government official, was contacted via WhatsApp by an individual claiming to be “Deepak Sharma” from TRAI. The caller informed Baliram of a purported money laundering investigation in Mumbai that involved his Aadhaar card. In a matter of minutes, the victim found himself in touch with an alleged Mumbai Police Sub-Inspector, followed by a fake CBI Chief and a bogus Supreme Court judge – all through continuous WhatsApp video calls.
Over the course of 72 hours, Baliram was subjected to psychological manipulation, deprived of any means of communication, and coerced into liquidating his Fixed Deposits, PPF, and other savings. The funds were then transferred to accounts that were falsely presented as being under the supervision of the Supreme Court. However, upon investigation, it was discovered that these accounts belonged to shell companies which had been set up using forged documents solely for the purpose of receiving and laundering money acquired through cybercrime. These entities held multiple current accounts in various banks.
The Delhi Police, through a combination of technical tracking and analysis of the money trail, were able to trace connections to 28 complaints filed across different states on the NCRP portal of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Additionally, during the operation, three smartphones and a trove of incriminating documents were seized.
The probe has unearthed a far-reaching network with international ties, including connections to IP addresses based in Hong Kong and a well-organized group of account operators, tech handlers, and local recruiters. The depth and complexity of this cybercrime operation highlight the importance of remaining vigilant and cautious in the digital age.