In a joint operation with Tamil Nadu Crime Branch, the Chennai Police on Thursday arrested three individuals from Belagavi for allegedly running a cyber fraud racket involving fake bank accounts and bogus companies.
The accused — Anil Kolhapur (Kuvempu Nagar), Rohan Kamble (Ganeshpur), and Sarvesha Kivi (RTO Circle) — were arrested in Belagavi and later produced before the 3rd JMFC Court. Following legal formalities, they were taken to Chennai for further investigation.
According to City Police Commissioner Bhushan Gulabrao Borase, “We received a formal request from the ADGP, Tamil Nadu Crime Branch. Our CEN Police coordinated the arrests and ensured full cooperation. The trio had created two fake companies and opened bank accounts in their names to channel fraudulent money. They are linked to 27 cases — including 3 in Bengaluru and Tumkur — with the rest spread across Tamil Nadu.”
Commissioner Borase cautioned citizens about the increasing trend of cybercrime related to fake investment schemes. “Fraudsters first get hold of mobile numbers and add people to WhatsApp groups that promise high returns. They initiate trust by sending small payouts, luring people into investing larger sums through dubious apps. Many end up losing lakhs of rupees,” he said.
The “Digital Arrest” Scam: A Dangerous New Trend
One of the more chilling scams is what Borase called the “Digital Arrest” trap. Victims receive calls from impersonators claiming to be officials from agencies like the ATS, CBI, or ED. They’re told that a suspicious parcel — often containing drugs — has been sent in their name.
“They are threatened with jail time, told to stay on video call, and asked to deposit ‘security money’ to prove their innocence,” Borase explained. “Some have transferred ₹30–40 lakh out of sheer fear.”
He warned the public not to fall for such calls: “No official agency will ever demand money like this. If you receive such a call, disconnect immediately, block the number, and report it on cyber.gov.in. Or better still, walk into your nearest police station.”
The Commissioner added that cybercrimes cost India ₹22,000 crore last year alone. “This is not just fraud; it’s digital terrorism,” he remarked.
Citizens are urged to remain vigilant, report suspicious calls, and avoid sharing personal or financial information online without verification.