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India Confronts Rising Wave of 'Digital Arrest' Cyber Fraud

Scammers impersonating law enforcement target senior citizens, prompting judicial reforms and exposing links to global cybercrime networks.

A case under sections 318(4) (cheating), 319(2) (cheating by impersonation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the IT Act was registered at the cybercrime branch police station on Tuesday. Efforts are underway to recover the money, police said. (Representational image)
Police officials said that the case was registered under sections 319 (2) (cheating by personation) and 318 (4) (cheating) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). (HT Photo)
(Shutterstock)
Police said that a case of cheating was registered at the cybercrime branch police station on Wednesday afternoon against four unidentified suspects. (Representational image)

Overview

  • The 'digital arrest' scam involves fraudsters posing as law enforcement to extort money, often targeting senior citizens through intimidation tactics.
  • The Bombay High Court criticized Mumbai Police for delayed responses in cyber fraud cases, mandating reforms like 'Zero FIR' guidelines for prompt action.
  • A South Mumbai woman lost ₹20 crore over two months to such a scam; police have arrested three suspects and frozen ₹77 lakh of the stolen funds.
  • In Noida, a 77-year-old man lost ₹3.14 crore after being held under 'digital arrest' for 16 days, highlighting the scam's psychological manipulation.
  • Investigations reveal international connections, with stolen funds laundered through cryptocurrency, underscoring the need for enhanced cybercrime resources.