The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has submitted a charge sheet involving five accused individuals and JCSS Capital International Pvt Ltd in a ‘Digital Arrest’ case. Among those charged are C.S.Saleeshkumar, Blessin Jacob Abraham, Mohammed Junaid Hussain, and Mohammad Mushtaque, with three currently in judicial custody. The case, initiated by the CBI on November 24, 2025, following directives from the Kerala High Court, involves defrauding a senior citizen of over Rs 1.8 crore through fake notices.
The accused, engaged in video calls with the victim, used intimidation tactics with false law enforcement and judicial notices. The arrested parties managed accounts for the illicit funds and supplied them to cybercriminals. Additionally, one accused facilitated the issuance of SIM cards for contacting the victim fraudulently. Investigations suggest the involvement of transnational organized cybercrime groups based in South-East Asia targeting Indian citizens.
The rise of ‘Digital Arrest’ fraud poses a significant cybercrime threat in India, with scammers coercing victims to transfer money by impersonating authorities. Cases have escalated from 39,000 in 2022 to over 1.2 lakh in 2024, with scammers adopting psychologically coercive tactics. The CBI reaffirmed its commitment to prosecuting individuals and entities aiding cybercriminals through misuse of banking and telecom infrastructure, advising the public to stay vigilant against such fraudulent schemes.
Citizens are warned against falling for ‘digital arrest’ ploys and urged not to comply with such calls. The public is cautioned about fraudulent investment schemes and impersonation calls from purported law enforcement or regulatory agencies, with any suspicious activity advised to be reported promptly to authorities or cybercrime portals.
