Bhimavaram: In a significant breakthrough, Bhimavaram police uncovered a world cybercrime community concerned in “digital arrest” scams, which have not too long ago focused weak and retired people.

The investigation started after retired professor Sharma was conned out of ₹78 lakh. The fraudsters contacted him claiming to be CBI officers and advised him that there was a discrepancy along with his SIM card. They allegedly threatened him with a “digital arrest” and coerced him into sharing his Aadhaar and checking account particulars. Over a interval of 13 days, the gang transferred ₹78 lakh from his account.

Following the grievance, Crime Department police registered a case, fashioned seven particular groups, and launched a coordinated operation. The police recognized 14 accused and arrested 13 of them. The prime accused, Rahtay Jay Nayan from Mumbai, stays on the run.

West Godavari District SP Adnan Nayeem Asmi revealed the case particulars. He acknowledged that many victims in related circumstances are retired people or these dwelling alone. He additionally confirmed that the decision to the sufferer originated from Bengaluru, disguised as a telecom verification name.

Of the accused, seven had beforehand labored in Cambodia. The police succeeded in recovering ₹42 lakh and freezing one other ₹19 lakh throughout varied financial institution accounts marking one of many highest recoveries made in such rip-off circumstances. The accused embrace people from Telugu states, Karnataka, and even educated professionals, together with a software program engineer working for a reputed firm.

“There isn’t a such factor as a ‘digital arrest’. Anybody receiving such calls ought to instantly contact the police,” the SP warned.