In a major crackdown on cyber-enabled financial fraud, the Cyber Crime Police Station, SAS Nagar, under the guidance of the Director General of Police, Punjab, and DIG Ropar Range, has exposed a nationwide Rs 92 crore “Digital Arrest” scam. Acting under the supervision of SSP Harmandeep Singh Hans and the strategic leadership of DSP Rupinderdeep Kaur Sohi, coordinated raids were carried out across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Gujarat.
The operation led to the identification of 10 members belonging to two organised gangs. Of these, 6 have been arrested, 2 are already in jail (to be brought on production warrants), and 2 remain absconding, with intensive efforts underway for their arrest.
Modus Operandi
The “Digital Arrest” scam involves fraudsters impersonating senior police, CBI, or law enforcement officials over phone calls. Victims are falsely accused in fabricated criminal cases and threatened with so-called “digital arrests,” coercing them into transferring large sums of money.
Investigations have revealed that the gangs defrauded dozens of victims across several states, siphoning off nearly Rs 92 crore nationwide, including Rs 3 crore from victims in SAS Nagar.
Case & Action Details:
Linked to two FIRs registered at Police Station Cyber Crime, Phase-7.
310 bank accounts frozen or closed.
Involvement of accused established to Case No. 995/2024, PS Northeast Division, Bengaluru, involving a Rs12.50 crore scam under Sections 318(4), 319(2) BNS and Sections 66(C) & 66(D) IT Act.
Major Achievements of Cyber Crime Police Station, SAS Nagar (Last 4 Months)
1. Illegal Call Centres: 6 dismantled; 41 accused arrested (including 7 foreign nationals). Recovery of 30 laptops, 159 mobile phones, 169 SIM cards, 127 ATM cards, and 158 bank accounts.
2. Honey Trap Case: 3 accused arrested; crucial digital evidence recovered.
3. Fake Recruitment Fraud: Mastermind arrested for duping about 25 victims with fake Railway jobs.
4. Refunds to Victims: Rs 4,12,97,342/- returned in various cases.
5. Fraud Prevention: Banks alerted to suspicious transactions, preventing scams worth Rs 2 crore.
SSP Harmandeep Hans (IPS) added, “This operation is not just about arrests — it reflects Punjab Police’s steadfast resolve to shield citizens from cybercrime. We will continue dismantling such networks, recovering victims’ money, and bringing every culprit to justice.”