Digital Arrest Scam: Rs 20 Crore Fraud Exposed as Domestic Help Alerts Victim’s Family

The digital arrest scam continues to evolve into one of the most deceptive cyber fraud tactics, with criminals using fake legal threats and psychological pressure to extort money from unsuspecting victims. In a shocking case in Mumbai, an elderly woman lost Rs 20 crore to cybercriminals who manipulated her through fake police and court proceedings. The scam was only uncovered when her domestic help noticed her unusual behavior and alerted her daughter.

The victim was coerced into transferring her entire fortune to what the scammers claimed was a “court account”, promising her that the money would be returned after an “investigation.” The digital arrest scam used threats of police custody, Supreme Court notices, and fake CBI investigations to keep the woman in “digital custody” for several days.

How the Digital Arrest Scam Trapped the Elderly Woman

📌 Key elements of the scam:

✔ Cybercriminals posed as law enforcement and financial officials.
✔ Threatened the victim with an arrest warrant and frozen accounts.
✔ Manipulated her through psychological pressure, limiting her communication.
✔ Extracted financial and personal details before demanding money transfers.

According to police, the scam started with a phone call from an individual posing as a CBI Crime Branch officer named Rao. The fraudster claimed that an investigation had been initiated against her and that she would be arrested along with her children unless she cooperated.

“She was told that she did not need to visit a police station due to the ‘Digital India Movement’ and that the authorities were monitoring her every move,” said an investigating officer.

The criminals used WhatsApp calls to control her daily routine, limiting her contact with others and making sure she complied with their demands.

How the Victim’s Domestic Help Exposed the Scam

The digital arrest scam might have gone unnoticed if not for the observant domestic help working at the victim’s residence.

📌 Signs that raised suspicion:

✔ The elderly woman remained locked in her room for extended periods.
✔ She would frequently yell at someone on her phone.
✔ She only came out for meals and avoided normal conversations.

Noticing these behavioral changes, the domestic help informed the victim’s daughter, who immediately took action. After confronting her mother, the daughter realized she was being manipulated and reported the case to the Mumbai cyber crime police.

An FIR was registered on March 4, and the police launched an investigation into the digital arrest scam, leading to multiple arrests.

The Role of Cryptocurrency and International Links in the Digital Arrest Scam

During the investigation, police uncovered that cybercriminals were converting stolen money into cryptocurrency to make tracking difficult.

📌 Key findings from the investigation:

✔ Rs 5 lakh was transferred to a fraudster’s account.
✔ Rs 9 lakh was sent to another individual involved in the scam.
✔ The scam involved 12 foreign fraudsters linked through a WhatsApp group.
✔ Funds were laundered through cryptocurrency and moved into different wallets.

Two individuals, Shayan Shaikh (20) from Malad and Raziq Butt (20) from Mira Road, were arrested for their involvement.

“Butt created a chat group with 12 foreign members and provided them with 14 Indian bank accounts for money laundering,” an officer revealed.

The scam’s mastermind, Adil Shaikh, had been previously arrested in June 2024 for a Rs 4 crore cyber fraud. Another suspect, Rayan Shaikh, facilitated cryptocurrency purchases to launder the stolen money.

How the Digital Arrest Scam Operates: Key Red Flags to Watch For

The digital arrest scam uses fear and fake legal notices to manipulate victims into compliance. Here are some warning signs to identify such frauds:

📌 How to Recognize a Digital Arrest Scam:

✔ Unexpected calls from unknown individuals claiming to be law enforcement.
✔ Threats of arrest or legal action without an official written notice.
✔ Pressure to keep the conversation private and avoid discussing it with family.
✔ Requests for financial details, bank information, or money transfers to “secure” accounts.
✔ Use of WhatsApp calls instead of official channels to communicate.

If you or someone you know receives such a call, immediately report it to cyber crime authorities and avoid sharing any personal or financial information.

Digital Arrest Scam Highlights Growing Cyber Threats

The digital arrest scam targeting the elderly woman in Mumbai is a stark reminder of how cybercriminals manipulate victims through fear and deception.

📌 Key Takeaways:

✔ A domestic help exposed the Rs 20 crore scam after noticing unusual behavior.
✔ Cybercriminals used fake CBI threats and WhatsApp surveillance to manipulate the victim.
✔ The scam involved an international network using cryptocurrency for laundering.
✔ Two suspects have been arrested, with more under investigation.

As cyber frauds become more sophisticated, awareness is the best defense. The digital arrest scam is a growing cybercrime trend, and identifying warning signs early can prevent financial loss.

If you suspect fraudulent activity, immediately contact cyber crime authorities and stay vigilant against online scams.