Etah Police Arrest Two Mule Operators in 8 Lakh Digital Scam

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Etah Police arrest two individuals involved in a digital arrest fraud scheme that led to the unauthorized transfer of ₹8 lakh from a Hyderabad-based victim.

Etah Police Detain Suspects in Digital Arrest Fraud Scheme

Etah Police detained two individuals, Nitesh Babu and Shobhit Chauhan, for their involvement in a digital arrest fraud scheme that resulted in the unauthorized transfer of ₹8 lakh from a Hyderabad-based victim. The suspects impersonated officials from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to deceive the victim into transferring funds through a simulated digital arrest via video call.

How the Fraud Was Executed

The fraudsters pressured the victim to deposit money into multiple bank accounts under the guise of an official inquiry. They allegedly facilitated the movement of illicit funds through mule accounts, with the mastermind of the operation remaining at large. The arrests were conducted under Operation CY Vajra, a state-level initiative by the Uttar Pradesh Police targeting cybercrime.

Recovery and Investigation

Authorities recovered ₹40,000 in cash, a mobile device, a bank Insta Kit, and an ATM card from the suspects during the operation. The investigation was prompted by a District Intelligence Pack analyzed by Cyber Headquarters, which flagged suspicious mule account activity and victim complaints.

Related Incidents Across India

In a separate incident in Delhi, a retired government employee was subjected to a multi-stage deception involving false claims of involvement in money laundering, leading to the extraction of ₹48.5 lakh through fabricated court proceedings. Another case in Mayur Vihar saw a resident lose ₹44.50 lakh after fraudsters orchestrated a series of impersonations, including roles from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the CBI.

CBI’s Response and Cybersecurity Advice

CBI’s Operation Chakra-V

The CBI has acknowledged the escalating threat of digital arrest schemes, launching dedicated operations such as Operation Chakra-V to dismantle networks linked to SIM card fraud and mule account activity. Recent efforts have expanded to target shell companies and financial intermediaries used to launder proceeds from such scams.

Expert Warnings

Experts highlight that no legitimate government agency employs digital arrests or requests money transfers for verification purposes. The Future Crime Research Foundation emphasizes that these tactics are entirely fabricated, with no official protocols supporting such actions.

Ongoing Investigation and Public Advice

During interrogations, investigators uncovered potential connections between the arrested individuals and other cybercrime cases nationwide. The suspects’ financial records are under scrutiny to determine their involvement in broader networks. Cybersecurity professionals advise the public to report suspicious calls immediately through the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.