Pramesh S Jain
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)on Friday conducted searches at five locations across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh in connection with a “digital arrest” cyber fraud case,leading to the arrest of three persons, including an Assistant Manager of IndusInd Bank.
The agency is probing the case following directions from the Supreme Court of India.
According to investigators,a senior citizen was allegedly coerced into transferring over Rs.1.6 crore under threats of a so-called “digital arrest.”
The probe has revealed that the defrauded money was routed through a bank account fraudulently opened in the name of a company to receive proceeds of cybercrime.The arrested bank official is accused of facilitating the opening of this account.
The other two accused allegedly played a key role in arranging mule bank accounts and enabling the layering and transfer of funds across multiple accounts to obscure the money trail.
During the searches,officials seized several incriminating documents and electronic devices from premises linked to the accused.
The CBI reiterated its commitment to taking strict legal action against individuals and entities involved in enabling cyber fraud by misusing banking infrastructure.
It also issued a public advisory cautioning citizens against fraudulent schemes involving intimidation tactics such as “digital arrest,”clarifying that no such legal provision exists.
The agency urged the public to remain vigilant against impersonation calls made in the name of law enforcement or regulatory authorities and to report suspicious activities through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or the nearest police station.
