The Cyber Crime Wing of Tiruvallur police has successfully apprehended two individuals from Surat, Gujarat, accused of orchestrating a ‘digital arrest’ scam. The scam came to light when a victim from Tiruvallur district reported to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal that he had fallen victim to a fraud amounting to a staggering ₹71 lakh.
The incident occurred on December 17, when the victim received a WhatsApp video call from an individual posing as a CBI officer. The fraudulent caller, dressed in a police uniform, informed the victim that he was implicated in a money laundering case registered at the Mumbai Cyber Crime police station. The victim was coerced into complying with the caller’s demands to avoid imminent arrest, which included transferring funds to a designated bank account.
Trusting in the assurances provided by the scammer, the victim transferred the substantial sum of ₹71 lakh as instructed. However, the following day, attempts to contact the fraudster proved futile, prompting the victim to recognize that he had fallen prey to a ‘digital arrest’ scam. Subsequently, a cyber complaint was lodged by the victim to seek necessary intervention.
The investigative efforts led to the discovery that the entirety of the defrauded amount had been transferred to a bank account in Surat. A specialized team was swiftly assembled, resulting in the arrest of the primary account holder located in the city. Further inquiries uncovered that the accused individual’s bank account was associated with nine additional cybercrime cases documented across various regions in India.
The diligent work of the Cyber Crime Wing in Tiruvallur culminated in the apprehension of the two suspects, identified as Sojitra Hiren, aged 26, and Rokad Meetkumar, aged 30, both residents of Surat. A commendable action taken by the authorities involved freezing a sum of ₹5,66,872, with ongoing efforts focused on facilitating the restitution of the misappropriated funds to the victim.
The resolve and dedication exhibited by the law enforcement underscore their commitment to combatting cybercrimes and safeguarding the public from digital fraud schemes. With a resolute stance against such illicit activities, authorities aim to foster a safer digital landscape for individuals and uphold the integrity of online transactions.
As the investigation continues to unfold, the collective efforts of the Cyber Crime Wing serve as a beacon of hope for victims of cyber fraud. The swift response and decisive actions taken against perpetrators signal a formidable stance against illegal online activities, reinforcing the importance of cybersecurity measures in the digital age.
Published on March 06, 2025, at 04:19 pm IST, this significant breakthrough serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment of law enforcement agencies in upholding justice and combating cybercrime.