A 71-year-old Hyderabad resident lost Rs 1.92 crore to cyber fraudsters impersonating CBI officers in a “digital arrest” scam from 7 to 14 November 2025, who claimed his Aadhaar was misused to open a Mumbai bank account for crimes, showing fake FIRs and ATM cards via video calls to coerce transfers.
Hyderabad Cybercrime Police arrested three accomplices, Pandu Vinith Raj (24, account supplier), G Thirupathaiah (40), and Gouni Vishwanatham (46, joint holders), linked to five nationwide cases including two in Telangana, while main accused Sandeep alias Alex remains at large; no further arrests as of 1 December.
Officials warn no agency conducts digital arrests or demands funds, urging calls to 1930 helpline.
Scam Tactics Exposed
Fraudsters began with a call alleging Aadhaar misuse for a Canara Bank account in Mumbai tied to illegal activities, escalating to continuous video surveillance where the victim saw fabricated Delhi Crime Branch FIRs and ATM card images to feign legitimacy.
Under threats of arrest and family harm, he transferred Rs 1,92,50,070 across multiple mule accounts without alerting relatives, a tactic exploiting isolation and fear. Police registered the case under IT Act sections 66C (identity theft) and 66D (cheating by personation), plus Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita provisions, tracing funds to the arrested trio’s networks.
Rising Cyber Threats
Digital arrest frauds have proliferated across India, preying on seniors with spoofed calls from CBI, ED, or NIA, often using real events like terror attacks for credibility, as seen in recent Hyderabad cases defrauding lakhs from elders.
Hyderabad Cybercrime’s recent busts, including 21 arrests in one week, highlight organised gangs supplying accounts nationwide, yet this incident shows persistent gaps with the prime accused fleeing. Authorities emphasise physical warrants for real arrests, advising against sharing OTPs or details over calls to curb escalation.
Staying Safe from Digital Arrest Scams
No legitimate agency in India conducts “digital arrests” via phone or video, nor demands money or OTPs for clearance, always verify claims directly with police stations. If a caller posing as CBI, ED, or police threatens arrest over alleged crimes like Aadhaar misuse, end the call immediately, block the number, and avoid sharing personal details, bank info, or staying on prolonged video calls that isolate you from family.
Use caller ID apps to screen unknowns, especially international numbers (+44, +65), and never transfer funds out of fear; instead, contact relatives independently to confirm emergencies.
Enable two-factor authentication on accounts, set bank alerts for large transactions, and stay composed, scammers thrive on panic. Report suspicions instantly via the 1930 helpline or cybercrime.gov.in, documenting calls as evidence to aid investigations and prevent further victims. Community awareness workshops empower elders, fostering vigilance without paranoia.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This heartbreaking scam reveals how cybercriminals erode trust in vulnerable elders, demanding urgent empathy-driven action like community workshops on digital safety to foster harmony and coexistence without instilling fear. By championing kindness through prompt reporting and family dialogues, society can nurture positive change, shielding the wise from exploitation.
