Mumbai Cyber Police have arrested seven people in an alleged digital arrest fraud network accused of using fake police identities and forged legal documents to intimidate victims. Police said the investigation involved an alleged ₹1.69 crore scam and led to the seizure of mobile phones, laptops, SIM cards and financial records. Authorities have also frozen ₹34 lakh in linked bank accounts. Investigators are conducting forensic analysis to identify additional victims, associates and possible interstate connections.
Digital Arrest Cyber Fraud Busted: Seven Arrested in ₹1.69 Crore Scam, Mumbai Cyber Police Freeze ₹34 Lakh
Mumbai Cyber Police have dismantled an alleged “digital arrest” cyber fraud network accused of intimidating victims through fake police identities and forged legal documents. Seven accused have been arrested following a technical investigation.
The Mumbai Cyber Police have uncovered an alleged digital arrest cyber fraud racket in which fraudsters reportedly extorted ₹1.69 crore by falsely claiming victims were under investigation for money laundering. Acting on technical intelligence, the Cyber Police of the West Division arrested seven accused from different parts of the country and seized a large quantity of electronic devices allegedly used in the operation.
According to the police, the case originated after a complainant reported receiving threatening calls and WhatsApp messages between 2 April and 18 April 2026. The callers allegedly posed as police officers and warned the complainant of imminent legal action in connection with a fabricated money laundering investigation.
Investigators said the accused sent forged documents bearing the Supreme Court name, official-looking seals, and police logos to convince the victim that the threats were genuine. Police said these fake documents were allegedly designed to create fear and gain the complainant’s confidence before demanding large financial transfers.
Authorities stated that the victim was falsely told they had been placed under a so-called “digital arrest”, a term frequently misused by cybercriminals despite having no legal recognition in India. The accused allegedly claimed they needed to verify the complainant’s bank accounts as part of the supposed investigation.
Police said the victim was persuaded to transfer approximately ₹9.69 crore into two separate bank accounts during the course of the fraud. However, officials have described the present investigation as involving a ₹1.69 crore digital arrest scam, while further financial verification remains part of the ongoing probe.
Technical Investigation Leads to Arrests Across Multiple Locations
Following registration of the complaint, the Cyber Police launched an extensive technical investigation involving digital tracking, financial analysis, and electronic surveillance. The operation eventually led investigators to multiple locations where coordinated raids resulted in the arrest of seven suspects.
The arrested accused have been identified as Sanjay Hiralal Shah (58), a 32-year-old woman, Rishi Ramchandra Meena (38), Naushad Ali, son of Dilshad Ali (39), Mohammad Khalid Hafizuddin Saifi (27), Ganeshwar Mahato (43), and Jabir Hussain (46).
Police recovered a substantial quantity of digital evidence from the accused, including 27 mobile phones, two laptops, five digital signature devices, 132 SIM cards belonging to different telecom companies, 10 cheque books, two passbooks, and two ATM cards.
Investigators also confirmed that ₹34 lakh deposited in various bank accounts linked to the investigation has been frozen. Officials said the seized devices and financial records will undergo forensic examination to identify additional victims, associates, and possible interstate connections.
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Police Warn Citizens Against ‘Digital Arrest’ Fraud
Mumbai Police have reiterated that there is no legal provision called “digital arrest” under Indian law. Officials warned that genuine police officers, courts, or government agencies never demand money through video calls or ask citizens to transfer funds to verify criminal investigations.
Citizens have been advised to remain cautious if they receive video calls from individuals claiming to represent police, investigative agencies, or judicial authorities. Any demand for money, banking credentials, or account transfers under such circumstances should be treated as suspicious and reported immediately.
Police have urged the public to contact the nearest police station or register complaints through the national Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 whenever they encounter suspected cyber fraud.
The operation was carried out under the guidance of Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, Joint Commissioner of Police Anil Kumbhare, Additional Commissioner of Police Krishnakant Upadhyay, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber Crime) Bajrang Bansode, and Assistant Commissioner of Police, Cyber Department, Suvarna Shinde.
The investigation was led by Cyber Police Station, Thane West Division, under Police Inspector Sandeep Patil, with assistance from Assistant Police Inspector Poonam Jadhav, Nitin Gacche, Amol Mali, Savita Kadam, Anjali Vani, Shankar Patil, Vijay Kumar Ghorpade, Deepak Tayade, and Avinash Nalawade.
As the investigation continues, Sprouts News understands that police are examining additional digital evidence to determine whether the alleged network targeted more victims across India. Authorities have indicated that further arrests and financial recoveries remain possible as the probe progresses.
