An alleged case of digital arrest involving an Indian origin woman visiting Delhi from the United States has helped police uncover an interstate cyber fraud network. Investigators say the case reveals how organised groups are using impersonation fear tactics and layered financial channels to target victims across multiple states.
The case dates back to October 2025 when the woman received a WhatsApp call around 3 am during her stay in Delhi. The caller claimed to be from the San Francisco embassy and told her she needed a no objection certificate to return to the United States due to an alleged case registered against her in India. This was followed by repeated video calls from people dressed as police officers who claimed she had been placed under “digital arrest” and demanded ₹30 lakh to “settle” the matter while keeping her under constant video monitoring.
Under pressure the woman transferred the money to bank accounts shared by the callers. After suspecting fraud she approached the police. Investigators tracked the money trail and found the funds were routed to an account linked to a partnership firm named M s Varnav Infotech based in SAS Nagar Mohali in Punjab. Police said this confirmed the operation was structured and not an isolated incident. Similar complaints revealed a common pattern involving fake authority figures video calls and rapid movement of funds through mule accounts and intermediary firms.
The investigation has now been transferred to the Crime Branch which is examining call records bank transactions and seized digital devices to map the full network. Raids have been conducted at several locations and more arrests are expected. A cyber research body described the case as part of a growing trend where “digital arrest” scams combine psychological pressure technology misuse and financial networks. Former IPS officer Triveni Singh said “This is the psychological face of cybercrime. Fraudsters first convince the victim that they are an offender and then control them through fear and shame.” Police have reiterated that no agency conducts arrests over video calls or demands money and urged citizens to report such calls immediately.
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