Authorities have urged citizens to stay alert and verify any calls or emails that claim to be from investigative agencies.
INR 58 Crore ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam: Maharashtra Cyber Department Exposes Global Network
The Maharashtra Cyber Department has revealed an international cybercrime network behind a massive INR 58 crore “digital arrest” scam—one of India’s biggest reported online scams. This racket, which operated between “August 19 and October 8, 2025”, targeted a Mumbai-based businessman by impersonating senior officials from the “Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)” and the “Enforcement Directorate (ED)”.
According to investigators, the fraudsters tricked the victim into a video call. They claimed it was part of an official inquiry. They coerced him into transferring INR 58 Crores to multiple bank accounts using fear and intimidation tactics.The funds were later converted into cryptocurrency and routed abroad through a complex network of digital wallets.
Officials said the investigation revealed strong links to “China, Hong Kong, and Indonesia”. They exposed a transnational syndicate specialising in cyber extortion. The gang reportedly operated via “commission-based bank accounts”, using fake identities and encrypted communication tools to avoid detection.
“The case is part of a wider pattern of ‘digital arrest’ scams that have been targeting Indian citizens for over a year,” a senior Maharashtra Cyber official confirmed. “We estimate that similar operations may have collectively generated more than INR 2,000 crore across India.”
‘Digital arrest’ scams are a rising form of cybercrime where fraudsters pose as law enforcement officers or government officials. They intimidate victims through video or audio calls. They claim to have fabricated evidence and pressure them into paying large sums to avoid legal action.
The Maharashtra Cyber Department, which serves as the state’s nodal agency for cybersecurity and digital investigations, has increased efforts to trace the international money trail. Coordination with global cybercrime units and financial intelligence agencies is underway to identify foreign handlers and recover stolen assets.
Authorities have urged citizens to stay alert and verify any calls or emails that claim to be from investigative agencies. Experts say awareness and digital literacy are the strongest defenses against such evolving online threats.
