In a significant breakthrough against cybercrime, the Cyber Police Station in Muzaffarpur has successfully dismantled an organized gang involved in defrauding victims through the “digital arrest” scam. The action came after a senior citizen, Bhola Prasad Mahto (73), reported being cheated of Rs 17 lakh through intimidation tactics and psychological pressure. Mahto had received multiple video calls from individuals impersonating police and CBI officers, threatening him with a “digital arrest” and causing fear and mental anguish.
Following the victim’s complaint, where he disclosed transferring the money to a bank account held by Brajesh Kumar at a Federal Bank branch in Bhagwanpur, the police took swift action. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed under senior officials’ guidance, leading to the arrest of three suspects – Brajesh Kumar, Krishna Kumar, and Vikram Kumar. The arrests are a significant step in combating the rising trend of cyber fraud, with recovered items including mobile phones, chequebooks, passbooks, and debit cards.
Through technical surveillance and scrutiny of bank transactions, the police discovered that the bank accounts linked to this case were involved in numerous cyber fraud incidents nationwide, indicating a broader network at play. Authorities suspect the gang operates across state borders, employing sophisticated scam tactics like the “digital arrest” scheme. Ongoing raids are being conducted to capture other absconding members, while citizens are advised to stay vigilant and avoid trusting unsolicited calls from individuals claiming to be law enforcement or government officials.
