Kolkata Man Loses ₹3.26 Cr in ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam

A Kolkata resident recently lost an astounding ₹3.26 crore in a sophisticated ‘digital arrest’ fraud, falling victim to scammers impersonating Mumbai Crime Branch officers. The perpetrators used aggressive tactics, including forged Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) orders, to compel the transfer of assets.

Following a complaint lodged in January, Bidhannagar cybercrime police successfully apprehended three individuals connected to the scam. The seven-month investigation led to arrests in Kolkata and Howrah.

Key Details of the Fraud

• Total financial loss: ₹3,26,84,000
• Number of suspects arrested: 3 (Biku Kumar, Durant Patra, Mohammad Zayed)
• Duration of police investigation: 7 months

The elaborate scheme began with fraudsters falsely claiming the victim’s Aadhaar details were linked to criminal complaints. Despite the victim denying ownership of a Mumbai-registered SIM card, the intimidation escalated rapidly.

Modus Operandi and Intimidation

The victim received ‘digital arrest’ notices and fraudulent bank account freeze orders, informed he was under a joint CBI-police investigation. He was explicitly ordered not to leave his home, creating an environment of intense psychological pressure.

Fearing severe legal repercussions, the victim complied with the demands. This led to the transfer of shares, mutual funds, and cash into bank accounts controlled by the syndicate.

Broader Trends and Official Warnings

This incident underscores a concerning rise in ‘digital arrest’ crimes, with a West Bengal court delivering India’s first life imprisonment sentence for such a case in July 2025. Police note that scammers exploit official-sounding language to manipulate victims, who often become exhausted and intimidated after prolonged calls.

In response to these incidents, law enforcement has issued a critical advisory to help citizens identify and avoid similar scams. These guidelines differentiate legitimate police procedures from fraudulent ‘digital arrests’.

• Government agencies never conduct hours-long video calls or virtual detentions.
• Legitimate investigations will never demand money transfers or asset liquidation.
• Police will never ask citizens to keep an inquiry secret from family or legal counsel.

The Bidhannagar cybercrime police’s actions highlight the ongoing battle against increasingly complex digital fraud schemes. Vigilance and adherence to official advisories remain crucial for protecting personal finances against these deceptive tactics.