Pune Man Loses ₹63.4 Lakh in ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam, Cyber Police Launch Investigation

A Pune resident was defrauded of ₹63.4 lakh in a “digital arrest” scam. Cyber police are probing the sophisticated impersonation fraud targeting bank accounts and official identity.

Pune, December 13, 2025 – A Pune resident has lost ₹63.4 lakh in a sophisticated cyber fraud known as a “digital arrest” scam, prompting the city’s cyber police to launch a detailed investigation into the case. The scam involved fraudsters posing as senior law enforcement officials and using fear tactics to coerce the victim into transferring a large sum of money under the false claim of avoiding arrest and account freezing.

According to the police complaint, the victim received a video call from individuals claiming to be officials from a central investigation agency. The callers allegedly presented fake identity cards, official-looking documents, and threatened legal action, claiming that the victim’s Aadhaar details were linked to serious crimes such as money laundering and illegal financial transactions. The fraudsters warned that immediate cooperation was required to avoid arrest.

Under sustained psychological pressure, the victim was instructed to transfer money to what was described as a “government verification account.” The fraudsters assured him that the amount would be refunded once the verification process was completed. Trusting the callers and fearing legal consequences, the victim transferred a total of ₹63.4 lakh in multiple transactions.

The fraud came to light when the promised refund did not arrive and communication from the callers abruptly stopped. Realising he had been cheated, the victim approached the cyber police and filed a complaint. Following this, an FIR was registered, and a detailed probe was initiated to trace the money trail and identify those behind the scam.

Cyber police officials are examining bank transactions, call records, IP addresses, and digital communication logs as part of the investigation. Authorities are also exploring whether the accused are part of a larger organised cybercrime network operating across states or using international channels to route the stolen money.

Police officials have stated that “digital arrest” scams are an emerging form of cyber fraud, where criminals impersonate police officers, investigative agency officials, or financial regulators to create panic and force victims into transferring funds. These scams rely heavily on social engineering, fake legal threats, and fabricated documents to appear credible.

Law enforcement agencies have reiterated that no legitimate authority conducts arrests, investigations, or verification processes over video calls or asks citizens to transfer money for clearance purposes. Citizens are being urged to remain alert, verify any such calls independently, and immediately report suspicious activity to cybercrime helplines or local police stations.

The case highlights the growing threat of cyber fraud in urban centres, with scammers increasingly targeting individuals by exploiting fear and trust in official institutions. Police have assured that strict action will be taken once the culprits are identified and urged the public to stay informed about evolving cybercrime methods.

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