CBI Arrests 3 in Rs 1.86 Crore Digital Arrest Scam After Raids Across 6 States

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested three individuals following coordinated raids across six states in connection with a Rs 1.86 crore “digital arrest” scam that allegedly targeted a senior citizen in Kerala.

According to officials, the case involves a complex network of mule bank accounts, shell companies, and fraudulently obtained SIM cards. Investigators believe the fraud may also have international connections.

Nationwide Raids Across Six States

On February 25, the CBI carried out simultaneous searches in Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Delhi. The operation focused on dismantling what the agency described as two key pillars of the alleged scam — mule account networks used to route funds and illegally procured SIM cards used to execute cyber fraud.

Officials said digital forensics and financial trail analysis played a critical role in tracing the accused. During the raids, investigators seized digital devices, debit cards, bank documents, and other materials that they described as incriminating.

Senior Citizen Targeted in Kerala

The case stems from the alleged cheating of a senior citizen in Kottayam district, Kerala. The victim was reportedly defrauded of Rs 1.86 crore through a “digital arrest” scam — a growing form of cybercrime in which fraudsters pose as law enforcement officials or government authorities to intimidate victims into transferring money.

Investigators revealed that the financial trail exposed an organised network operating across multiple states.

Three Accused Arrested

One of the accused, Blessin Jacob Abraham, was arrested from a hotel in Goa. According to the CBI, he allegedly operated mule accounts and facilitated cryptocurrency transactions connected to the fraud. Several digital devices were recovered from him.

In Nagpur, Mohammad Mushtaque was taken into custody. The agency described him as a “shell company operator” who allegedly managed mule accounts through a front company to receive proceeds of the crime. Investigators seized multiple debit cards and digital devices from premises linked to him.

The third accused, Mohammad Junaid, was arrested in Bengaluru. He is accused of fraudulently procuring SIM cards by offering fake “5G SIM upgrade” services. Authorities allege that he misused KYC documents to activate SIM cards that were later used in cyber-fraud operations believed to have overseas origins.

Investigation Continues

The CBI stated that the operation marks a significant step in dismantling the infrastructure behind digital arrest scams in India. Officials are now working to identify additional domestic and international collaborators.

Further investigation is underway to trace the broader cybercrime network and prevent similar financial frauds targeting vulnerable citizens.