Key masterminds of Digital Arrest & Investment Fraud rackets arrested, ₹5 crore crypto trail uncovered, Multi-state raids conducted in Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and Uttarakhand. ₹5 crore crypto trail linked to Dubai-based handlers identified. Fake firms, mule accounts, and e-commerce front operations uncovered.Advanced use of cyber forensics, data analytics, and manual intelligence.
Face2News/New Delhi
As a follow-up action against organized cyber-enabled financial crimes, the Cyber Cell of Crime Branch has dismantled multiple Pan-India cyber fraud syndicates engaged in Digital Arrest and Investment Fraud operations. The following persons have been arrested in different cases.
MAJOR BREAKTHROUGHS & ARRESTS : Arrest of Atul Sharma (R/o Ladwa, District Kurukshetra, Haryana), Key syndicate operator working under the Dubai-based handler Sumit Garg. (Investment Scam), Arrest followed technical analysis of suspicious e-commerce activity, Raid in Gurugram led to recovery of:
Multiple mobile phones, SIM cards, laptops, cheque books, and debit/credit cards., FIR No. 317/25, PS Crime Branch registered; five accused previously (including one RBL Bank official) arrested., Used financially weak individuals from PG accommodations to open mule current accounts. Offered small insurance policy assistance to improve CIBIL and gain trust., Operated fake firms’ accounts on instructions from Dubai-based handlers., Converted fraud proceeds to cryptocurrency (USDT) – three wallets traced holding approx. 552,944 USDT (₹5 crore)., Crypto transactions and other assets are under further investigation.
Arrest of Rahul Manda (R/o Aadampur, District Hissar, Haryana)
Key player in Digital Arrest Fraud—posing as TRAI/Police officials to extort money. Linked to a case where complainant was duped of ₹30 lakh. Apprehended from Roorkee, Uttarakhand after prolonged surveillance. High-end gadgets and a Scorpio-N SUV recovered. Has prior criminal history — served five years imprisonment in a culpable homicide case (PS Sector-49, Chandigarh). After release, joined cyber syndicates, specializing in mule account supply.
Arrest of Varun Anchal @ Lucky (Age 35 years, R/o Shaheed Babu Labh Singh Nagar, Jalandhar, Punjab) : Key operative in Digital Arrest case involving impersonation of law enforcement officers., Involved in case where complainant was cheated of ₹26.80 lakh by fraudsters posing as Mumbai Crime Branch officers. Handled mule account creation, withdrawals, and fund transfers to handlers. Recovered electronic gadgets used in fraudulent transactions. Previously arrested in similar offences: PS Navi Baradari, Jalandhar (Punjab) PS Bilaspur, Gurugram (Haryana)
Arrest of Amit Kumar Singh @ Kartik (Age 31 years, R/o Village Chhapiya, Post Isuwapur, District Saran, Bihar) : Ex-Bank employee involved in cyber frauds. Used to provide bank accounts through his contacts to cash out cheated amounts on commission basis. Incriminating Messenger chats recovered from his mobile phone. Frequently changing banks to conceal his malafide intentions.One of the key operatives in a case of Investment Fraud of Rs. 39.5 lakhs.
SUPREME COURT CANCELS BAIL OF ANOTHER FRAUDSTER
In a separate Investment Fraud case involving ₹48.35 lakh, Hon’ble Supreme Court of India has cancelled the bail of accused Lakshay Nanda (R/o Ludhiana, Punjab). Nanda was one of the core masterminds operating fake investment platforms.The Cyber Cell’s effective legal coordination and evidence presentation led to bail cancellation.
ASSETS & EVIDENCE RECOVERED IN MULTIPLE CASES
Seizure of multiple mobile phones, SIMs, debit/credit cards, laptops, and cheque books. Identification of three cryptocurrency wallets linked to syndicate – worth ₹5 crore (USDT). Discovery of fake firms and mule current accounts across multiple banks. Recovery of SUV (Scorpio-N) and high-value electronic equipment.
MODUS OPERANDI: Used fake police/agency identities to intimidate victims (Digital Arrest model). Created fake investment platforms promising high returns. Recruited students, unemployed youth, and PG residents for mule accounts. Converted proceeds into cryptocurrency (USDT) and routed funds to Dubai-based handlers. Employed fake e-commerce firms to mask transactions and cash flow.
Mr. Aditya Gautam, DCP, Crime, said, the operation was executed by a dedicated team led by Insp Sandeep Singh and Insp Ashok Kumar comprising: SI Rakesh Malik, SI Jagseer, HC Mohit Malik, ASI Sanjay, ASI Sandeep Tyagi, HC Kapil, HC Akshay, HC Vikas, HC Bhupender, HC Sachin, and HC Mohit Tomar, under the supervision of ACP Shri Anil Sharma.