The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has apprehended the main culprit behind a Rs 7 crore digital scam aimed at a Ludhiana resident from Kanpur. The suspect, Arpit Rathore, is being questioned regarding multiple fraudulent activities, including impersonating CBI officers with the assistance of foreign accomplices. Rathore’s custody has been extended till January 5 by the Special Court (PMLA) in Jalandhar.
During a search operation on December 31, 2025, at Rathore’s premises, the ED uncovered incriminating evidence linking him to money laundering in the case of S. P. Oswal’s digital arrest. Rathore not only played a key role in Oswal’s case but also participated in various cybercrimes and scams targeting unsuspecting individuals. The investigation revealed Rathore’s collaboration with foreign associates to execute these criminal activities.
In the course of their probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, the ED seized crucial records, digital devices, and unexplained cash amounting to Rs 14 lakh. The cybercrime police station in Ludhiana had filed an FIR that initiated the ED’s investigation, which expanded to include nine additional FIRs related to cybercrimes involving the same group. The fraudsters, posing as CBI officers, extorted Rs 7 crore from Oswal and defrauded others of Rs 1.73 crore through digital arrest and cyber fraud schemes.
Rumi Kalita from Guwahati and Rathore from Kanpur were identified as key figures in these digital arrest cases. Kalita collaborated with Atanu Choudary, utilizing bank accounts of entities like Frozenman Warehousing and Logistics and Rigglo Ventures Pvt Ltd to launder illicit funds. The investigation uncovered the transfer of funds to over 200 mule bank accounts to conceal the proceeds. Rathore facilitated these transactions, guiding Kalita on fund transfers and receiving compensation in the form of criminal proceeds.
