The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted searches in Odisha and Rajasthan, leading to the arrest of three individuals in connection with a Rs 2.07-crore ‘digital arrest’ scam. The arrests were made following allegations that a retired public servant was coerced into transferring funds under the threat of fabricated legal action by cyber fraudsters posing as law enforcement officials.
The accused individuals, identified as Bibekananda Dixit, Jayant Kumar Acharya, and Kanhaiya Lal, were involved in layering and transferring the proceeds of crime through multiple bank accounts to conceal the origin of the funds within the cyber fraud network. The defrauded amount was channeled into a trust’s bank account through a complex chain of transactions to evade detection by law enforcement agencies.
During the searches, the CBI seized incriminating documents, digital devices, and electronic evidence from the accused’s premises. This evidence is expected to provide further insights into the broader network behind the scam. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to uncover additional beneficiaries and facilitators linked to the fraudulent activities.
The CBI has issued a warning to the public about the risks of falling victim to cyber frauds, including fake investment schemes, impersonation calls from fake law enforcement agencies, and threats of ‘digital arrests.’
