SRINAGAR: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a chargesheet against the owner of a private firm based in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, and a Deputy Manager of Axis Bank for their alleged involvement in a digital arrest fraud amounting to Rs 1.6 crore. The fraud targeted a senior citizen in Delhi.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the owner of the private firm allegedly used its current account to receive the proceeds generated from the digital arrest scam. A portion of these illicit funds was reportedly paid to the bank officer as a bribe for facilitating the movement and siphoning of the money.
The case stems from the alleged defrauding of a senior citizen who was coerced into transferring Rs 1.6 crore. The perpetrators posed as law enforcement and judicial authorities, employing tactics such as video calls to intimidate the victim into parting with the funds. The Supreme Court subsequently transferred the investigation from the Delhi Police to the CBI in January 2026, prompting the agency to register the case and initiate proceedings.
Following the registration of the case, the CBI apprehended individuals connected to the private firm. The agency’s extensive investigation has indicated the involvement of a transnational organised criminal network operating from Southeast Asia in orchestrating these sophisticated digital arrest frauds. This network is believed to be behind a significant number of such operations targeting individuals across the country.
The chargesheet, filed in the competent court, details charges related to criminal conspiracy, receiving stolen property, cheating, and the use of forged documents under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Additionally, the accused face charges under the Information Technology Act for offences involving cheating and impersonation through the misuse of computer resources. Provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act pertaining to bribery have also been invoked against the bank official.
The CBI has affirmed its commitment to pursuing stringent legal action against all individuals and entities found to be complicit in facilitating cybercrimes. This includes those who exploit banking and telecommunications infrastructure for illicit gains. The agency emphasised that such actions will be met with decisive legal consequences to deter future criminal activities.
The CBI has issued a public advisory to caution citizens against falling victim to ‘digital arrest’ scams. The agency clarified that the concept of a ‘digital arrest’ does not exist in any legal framework within India. It urged the public not to succumb to fear or comply with demands made by individuals perpetrating such scams over phone or video calls.
Furthermore, the public has been advised to maintain vigilance against fraudulent investment schemes and calls where individuals impersonate law enforcement officials or regulatory authorities. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities promptly to the appropriate law enforcement agencies or through the national cybercrime reporting portal to aid in the investigation and prevention of such crimes.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
