In a significant breakthrough against rising cyber fraud, Goa Police have exposed a ₹1.42 crore “digital arrest” scam and arrested 2 members of an interstate cybercrime network. The accused have been identified as Ashadul Islam (24) and Yasmina Ahmed (32), both residents of Assam. Police said the duo allegedly posed as officials from central investigative agencies and judiciary authorities to intimidate the victim using a fabricated legal case.
According to investigators, the victim was falsely informed that a money laundering probe was underway and that immediate fund transfers were necessary to avoid arrest. The accused prepared forged documents in the name of the Supreme Court of India to make the threat appear genuine. Fake legal notices and investigation orders were shown to convince the victim that he was involved in an official judicial inquiry. The scam targeted a resident of the Bicholim area, who was contacted through social media and other digital platforms.
Police said the fraudsters maintained constant communication through video and voice calls and prevented the victim from contacting family members or local authorities. A false “digital arrest” situation was created to apply psychological pressure. Fear and confusion were deliberately used to force the victim to transfer ₹1.42 crore in multiple instalments. During technical surveillance, cyber police traced the digital trail to Assam and conducted raids that led to the arrests. Investigators also found that hundreds of SIM cards and cloned communication devices were used to hide identities and avoid transaction tracing.
Goa Police clarified that “digital arrest” has no legal validity in India and that no genuine investigative agency demands money through video calls or messaging platforms. Authorities warned citizens to treat unknown calls, fake legal notices and threatening online messages as potential cybercrime attempts and report them immediately. Officials said more suspects linked to the racket are being tracked, and further arrests are possible. The investigation team continues to analyse bank accounts and mobile networks used in the operation, stressing that public awareness remains the strongest defence against cyber fraud.
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