CBI Arrests Three in Rs 1.6 Crore ‘Digital Arrest’ Cyber Fraud Case After Supreme Court Intervention
New Delhi/Hyderabad, April 19: In a breakthrough in the fight against sophisticated cyber fraud, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday arrested three individuals, including a former assistant manager of a private bank, in connection with a high-value online scam in which a senior citizen was allegedly duped of more than Rs 1.6 crore through a so-called “digital arrest” threat.
The action follows directions from the Supreme Court of India, highlighting the seriousness with which investigative agencies and the judiciary are treating the growing menace of cybercrime targeting vulnerable individuals.
According to officials familiar with the investigation, coordinated searches were carried out at five locations spread across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
During the raids, investigators seized electronic devices, bank-related documents, and other materials believed to contain crucial evidence linking the accused to the fraud network.
The CBI identified the arrested individuals as Dubbaka Mahesh, a former assistant manager of a private sector bank, along with Rajesh Kanna and Vayala Srinivas.
Investigators allege that Mahesh played a key role in facilitating the opening of bank accounts that were later used to receive the defrauded money.
Officials said the other two accused were involved in arranging so-called mule accounts — bank accounts used to move illicit funds through multiple transactions to make tracing difficult.
The accused allegedly layered the proceeds of crime through several accounts to conceal the money trail and avoid detection by enforcement agencies.
The case revolves around a disturbing cyber fraud technique in which criminals impersonate law enforcement or regulatory officials to create panic among victims.
In this instance, the senior citizen was allegedly threatened with a fictitious concept described as “digital arrest” and was pressured into transferring a substantial amount of money to avoid supposed legal consequences.
Investigators say such scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with fraudsters using professional language, forged documents, spoofed phone numbers, and video calls to make their claims appear legitimate.
Many victims, especially elderly individuals unfamiliar with evolving cyber tactics, are often intimidated into complying with the demands.
A CBI spokesperson emphasised that there is no legal provision for any form of “digital arrest”, warning citizens not to fall prey to individuals claiming to represent police or investigative agencies over phone or internet platforms.
Officials have urged the public to remain cautious, verify the identity of anyone claiming to be from law enforcement, and avoid transferring money under pressure or threats.
Authorities also advise reporting suspicious communications immediately to cybercrime helplines.
The arrests are being viewed as part of a wider crackdown on organised cyber fraud networks that operate across multiple states and use complex financial channels to siphon off money from unsuspecting victims.
With digital fraud cases rising sharply in recent years, agencies have intensified surveillance and enforcement efforts to dismantle networks involved in impersonation scams, online extortion, and financial fraud.
Investigators indicated that further arrests and recovery of funds may follow as the probe continues.
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