Two arrested for duping Kandivali yoga teacher in ‘digital arrest’ scam

Police say the mastermind is still absconding. Representation pic/istock

North Cyber police have arrested two men from Kurla for allegedly cheating a 66-year-old yoga teacher from Kandivali West in a "digital arrest" fraud. The victim was threatened with fake money laundering charges and forced to transfer Rs 10.35 lakh for verification. Police say the mastermind is still absconding.

The victim

>> Age: 66
>> Profession: Yoga teacher
>> Location: Kandivali West
>> Loss: Rs 10.35 lakh via RTGS

How the scam worked

>> Call claiming SIM used in crime
>> Fake arrest warrant and freeze notices sent
>> Victim kept on WhatsApp video calls
>> Threats made under "national secrecy" laws
>> Money demanded for verification
>> Police describe this tactic as a "digital arrest" scam.

Investigation

>> Mastermind absconding
>> Wider network under probe
>> More victims suspected

Arrested

Faraz Zakir Sharif, 28 and Aaman Gulam Khan, 38

Arrested on February 9 from Kurla

Money trail

>> About Rs 5 lakh routed to a registered import-export firm
>> Accounts linked to shell companies

The larger racket

Police say the accused:
>> Rented offices in Malad, Bhiwandi, Taloja and Andheri
>> Created fake firms
>> Recruited unemployed youths for documents
>> Opened bank accounts in company names
>> Abandoned offices after use and shifted locations
The accounts were allegedly supplied to cyber fraud gangs to route stolen funds.