Delhi Police have helped prevent cybercriminals from siphoning off approximately ₹1.5 crore from victims across Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat by tracking suspicious bank transactions linked to digital arrest scams.
The operation was conducted by the Financial Monitoring Cell of the Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit. It helped protect the savings of several elderly people who were threatened with arrest by fraudsters posing as government officials.
Investigators found that the accused used fabricated criminal allegations and threats of legal action to pressure victims into transferring money. Four of the 5 victims were senior citizens living alone.
How the investigation began
The investigation started after retired military officer Sagar Puri filed an electronic First Information Report (e-FIR) on September 29. He alleged that fraudsters posing as officials of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and a Daryaganj police inspector had threatened to arrest him.
The accused reportedly claimed that he was involved in a money laundering case linked to his Aadhaar card. They allegedly used these accusations to pressure him into transferring large sums of money.
While tracing the transactions, police identified a mule bank account in Hyderabad. Further examination revealed that the account had received money from 5 other victims between September 21 and September 29. This helped investigators identify additional people potentially targeted by the same network.
Police intervene to protect elderly victims
In one case, ₹25 lakh transferred by a 77-year-old retired Airports Authority of India employee from Najafgarh reached the Hyderabad account on September 29.
Police contacted the man to alert him about the suspected fraud. However, he initially distrusted the officers. To establish their identity, investigators shared cybercrime awareness videos and asked him to verify their credentials through the national cybercrime helpline.
After clarifying the situation, police coordinated with banks and the Dwarka cyber police station to protect his remaining assets.
In another case, an 80-year-old cloth trader from Rajasthan and his wife were targeted over alleged illegal activity linked to their Aadhaar details. The couple had already transferred ₹18 lakh when fraudsters attempted to obtain another ₹10 lakh. Police intervened and connected them with Rajasthan’s 1930 cybercrime helpline to file a complaint, preventing the additional transfer.
Other victims targeted through fabricated allegations
Police also identified a retired couple who had transferred ₹52 lakh after fraudsters claimed their Aadhaar card was connected to a blast in Jammu and Kashmir.
In a separate case, a hospital assistant from Maharashtra allegedly lost ₹85 lakh in a digital arrest scam that continued for 15 days.
These incidents show how criminals use threats of serious criminal charges, identity document misuse and impersonation of government officials to frighten victims into making repeated payments.
Tracking transactions to stop further losses
The IFSO Financial Monitoring Cell traced suspicious transfers and examined the movement of funds through bank accounts. The Hyderabad mule account proved to be a key link because it had received money from multiple victims within a short period.
The operation involved coordination with banks and police units across different jurisdictions. Delhi Police reported that their intervention prevented approximately ₹1.5 crore from being siphoned off. This figure refers to the amount saved from further loss and should not be confused with money already transferred by victims.
The cases highlight the importance of early detection, verifying the identity of law enforcement officials and reporting suspected cybercrime promptly through the 1930 helpline.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.