A 25-year-old man from Assam has been arrested by Gujarat’s Cyber Centre of Excellence (CCOE) for allegedly acting as a key financial handler for an international cybercrime network involved in “digital arrest” scams. Investigators say the financial trail linked to him extends across 1,090 cases involving transactions worth around ₹1,071.55 crore.
The accused, identified as Rafiq-ul-Alam, a resident of Barpeta district in Assam, was arrested from his home following an investigation into bank accounts and financial transactions connected to victims who were allegedly threatened and trapped in digital arrest scams.
Police said the investigation also uncovered cryptocurrency transactions and communication with alleged overseas cybercriminals.
Investigation began with a senior citizen
The case came to light after a senior citizen was allegedly placed under “digital arrest” by cybercriminals.
The victim was reportedly threatened with forged documents that appeared to have been issued by the Maharashtra Police and the Supreme Court. The scammers allegedly told the victim that he was involved in a serious case and directed him to transfer money into specified bank accounts.
CCOE investigators examined the financial transactions and followed the movement of the money. During the investigation, they identified around 10 other people who were allegedly facing similar digital arrest threats at the time.
Police teams visited the victims, counselled them and helped prevent further financial losses.
Police trace alleged financial handler to Assam
The financial investigation eventually led the Gujarat team to Barpeta in Assam, where investigators allegedly identified Alam as one of the people handling money for the cybercrime network.
According to police, a CCOE team spent three days conducting reconnaissance in the area while posing as ordinary citizens. After gathering information, the team raided Alam’s residence and arrested him.
He has been booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act.
Money allegedly moved through multiple accounts
Investigators allege that money collected from victims was moved through several bank accounts before being converted into cryptocurrency and transferred to operators linked to China.
In one case examined by investigators, a large amount was allegedly broken into smaller transactions and moved through 1,754 bank accounts within about an hour, which police believe was done to avoid financial monitoring.
Police said they also recovered 23 cryptocurrency wallets from Alam’s mobile phone. Transactions worth approximately ₹16 crore were traced through these wallets.
Investigators also found evidence of cryptocurrency trading applications and gaming accounts allegedly being used in the movement of funds.
Alleged links to overseas cybercriminals
According to investigators, Alam allegedly communicated with Chinese cybercriminals through platforms including WhatsApp and Telegram.
Police said the conversations involved the sharing of bank-related information, user IDs, passwords, cryptocurrency wallet details and instructions connected with alleged fraudulent operations.
The investigation is continuing to establish the full extent of the network and the role played by different individuals.
Police say 10 victims were saved from further losses
The CCOE said its intervention helped prevent further financial losses in 10 locations across the country.
Among those targeted were senior citizens from Ahmedabad, Surat and Jamnagar.
In one Ahmedabad case, a resident was allegedly threatened with arrest in a child sexual abuse material case and asked to pay ₹20 lakh.
In another case in Surat, a senior citizen was allegedly threatened with money-laundering and terrorism charges. The person was reportedly preparing to pay ₹40 lakh after arranging ₹20 lakh by selling a shop.
These cases highlight how scammers use fear of police action, court proceedings and serious criminal charges to pressure victims into transferring money.
What is a ‘digital arrest’ scam?
In a typical digital arrest scam, fraudsters pretend to be police officers, CBI or Enforcement Directorate officials, court representatives or other government authorities.
Victims are told that their name, phone number, bank account or identity documents have been connected to a criminal case. They may then be ordered to remain on a video call and are threatened with arrest if they do not follow instructions.
The scammers use fear and urgency to prevent victims from checking whether the claims are genuine.
There is no legal procedure under which a person can be kept under “digital arrest” simply through a video call. Genuine government agencies do not require people to transfer money to prove their innocence.
Police issue warning to citizens
Police have appealed to people not to transfer money or disclose OTPs, passwords, banking information or other sensitive details to callers claiming to be police officers, CBI officials, ED officials or court representatives.
Anyone who receives a suspicious cybercrime call should stop the conversation, independently verify the claim and report the suspected fraud immediately.
In India, suspected cybercrime and financial fraud can be reported through the 1930 cybercrime helpline.
The arrest of Alam is expected to help investigators trace more financial accounts, cryptocurrency transactions and individuals connected to the alleged network. The wider investigation remains underway.
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