The Rs 58 crore digital arrest scam has revealed a massive global cyber network with links to China, Hong Kong, and Indonesia. The Maharashtra Cyber Department discovered the connection while investigating one of India’s biggest cyber frauds, where scammers duped a Mumbai businessman by posing as CBI and ED officials.
The fraudsters contacted the businessman between August 19 and October 8, forcing him to join a fake video inquiry and transferring Rs 58 crore from his accounts. Officials said the gang routed the stolen money abroad through multiple cryptocurrency wallets and commission-based bank accounts.
The Rs 58 crore digital arrest scam is part of a wider cybercrime trend targeting Indians through fear and fake law enforcement identities. Investigators believe such scams may have generated more than Rs 2,000 crore across India.
Cyber experts warn that “digital arrest” crimes are rising fast. Scammers use video calls to trap victims, claim to be police or agency officers, and pressure them to pay. Maharashtra Cyber has intensified efforts to trace the international syndicate and strengthen online safety measures.
