In a major development in a cyber fraud case, a CISF constable has been arrested in connection with a ₹57 lakh “digital arrest” scam in Kanpur, with investigators uncovering a wider network involving fake accounts, layered transactions, and suspected links to Cambodia.
The accused, identified as Dawood Ansari, was apprehended from Rourkela in Odisha and brought to Kanpur on transit remand. He was later produced before a court and sent to judicial custody.
According to officials, Ansari allegedly assisted the fraud network by arranging bank accounts used to transfer the defrauded money. He reportedly received around ₹10000 per account. These accounts were then used to route funds through multiple layers, making it difficult to trace the transactions.
During questioning, Ansari revealed the names of 2 suspects based in Kolkata who are believed to have acted as intermediaries. Raids are currently underway to locate and arrest them.
Investigators suspect that the main operators of the network are based in Cambodia and are coordinating activities through contacts in India. Authorities are examining how domestic bank accounts and international channels were used to move the stolen money.
Earlier, 5 other individuals had been arrested in the case, including the alleged mastermind Raju Thakur from Jharkhand. Officials believe local youths were recruited to open bank accounts and assist in transferring funds, helping the network expand.
The case highlights the growing threat of “digital arrest” scams, where fraudsters pose as law enforcement officials and use fear and urgency to force victims into transferring money. The victim in this case, a retired GST assistant commissioner, was allegedly threatened and manipulated into making the payment.
Cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said such scams combine technology with social engineering tactics. He noted that fear and urgency are deliberately used to push victims into quick financial decisions.
Investigators found that the stolen funds were moved through several accounts before being routed via international gateways, making it harder to track the money trail.
Authorities have warned that no legitimate agency conducts arrests or investigations through phone or video calls. The probe is ongoing, with efforts focused on identifying absconding suspects and mapping the full financial network.
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