Cybercriminals posed as Delhi Crime Branch officials, using fake evidence and threats of jail to dupe the couple.
Victims drained savings, FDs, gold loan, life savings, losing Rs 88.5 lakh over 40 days.
Police arrested 3 men; probe underway to uncover wider “digital arrest” fraud network.
A 69-year-old retired sessions court assistant clerk, Dinesh Delvadiya, and his wife Anita were duped of Rs 88.5 lakh over 40 days after falling prey to a “digital arrest” scam. Cybercriminals posed as senior officials from the Delhi Crime Branch, manipulated the couple with fabricated evidence and threats of imprisonment. They made them transfer their life savings.
SurveyThe ordeal began when Delvadiya received a WhatsApp call from someone claiming to be a telecom department officer. He was then directed to join a call with an officer named “Sunilkumar Gautam” from the Delhi Crime Branch. The callers accused him of being linked to a narcotics and money-laundering racket, alleging that a bank manager arrested in the case had confessed in court to transfer illegal funds into Delvadiya’s account.
To make it sound credible, the fraudsters shared staged photographs of a man in custody with Anita, warning the couple against speaking to anyone. Fearing legal action, the Delvadiyas complied with their demands. The criminals first asked Rs 8 lakh for “verification.” Under pressure, the couple liquidated fixed deposits, raised a gold loan, and steadily drained their savings, totalling Rs 88.5 lakh.
The couple reported the fraud to the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal on August 18 and filed a police complaint on August 24. Acting swiftly, cybercrime officials arrested three men from Bhavnagar – Brijesh Patel (36), Mohsin Sheikh (33), and Mohamad Halari (30). Investigations revealed Patel had rented out his bank account for Rs 10 lakh, while Sheikh and Halari acted as intermediaries, channelling funds through “angadia” or informal hawala-style networks.
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Police confirmed the suspects are linked to similar frauds flagged on the NCRP and said an investigation is underway to trace the larger syndicate. Authorities have once again warned the public against falling for “digital arrest” scams, where cybercriminals impersonate law enforcement to create fear and extort money.
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Himani Jha
Himani Jha is a tech news writer at Digit. Passionate about smartphones and consumer technology, she has contributed to leading publications such as Times Network, Gadgets 360, and Hindustan Times Tech for the past five years. When not immersed in gadgets, she enjoys exploring the vibrant culinary scene, discovering new cafes and restaurants, and indulging in her love for fine literature and timeless music. View Full Profile
