Two men were arrested by the Triplicane Cyber Crime Wing police in connection with a digital arrest scam that resulted in a woman losing Rs 1.16 lakh. The incident occurred when the victim, Rizwana Begum, received a call from someone claiming to be a customs officer stating that a drug-laden parcel had arrived in her name. Shortly after, she was video-called by a man in a police uniform through WhatsApp, threatening her with immediate digital arrest if she did not pay a fine. In a state of panic, Begum transferred the money only to later realize that she had been scammed.
The victim promptly reported the incident to the Triplicane police, who launched an investigation into the matter. A special team, along with cybercrime officials, managed to track down and arrest T Venkatesh, a 42-year-old from Kumbakonam, and A Mohammed Yunus, a 37-year-old from Medavakkam. Upon their arrest, the police confiscated three mobile phones and a laptop from the suspects.
Further probing into the scam revealed that Venkatesh was involved in running a manpower agency with an associate who had fled to Cambodia. The associate allegedly conducted fraudulent activities from abroad, posing as various officials and transferring money into Venkatesh’s account. Additionally, Venkatesh and Yunus had developed a mobile application specifically for executing these deceitful schemes.
The prime suspect in the case is currently on the run, prompting the police to intensify their efforts in locating and apprehending him. Meanwhile, the arrested individuals, Venkatesh and Yunus, were presented before the court and subsequently remanded in judicial custody on Sunday.
The arrest of these two individuals sheds light on the prevalence of digital fraud and scams in today’s society. It serves as a cautionary tale for individuals to remain vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited calls or messages demanding money or personal information. Law enforcement agencies continue to work diligently to combat cybercrime and protect citizens from falling victim to such fraudulent activities. Cybercrime remains a constant threat in the digital age, highlighting the importance of awareness and proactive measures to safeguard oneself against potential scams.