The convicts were part of a gang that scammed >₹100 crore from >100 people through a ‘digital arrest’ fraud.
What is Digital Arrest?
- It is a scam designed to extort money from victims using fear, deceit, and intimidation.
- Method: Victims receive a phone call, email, or message claiming they are under investigation for illegal activities, such as identity theft or money laundering.
- Threats and Pressure: Scammers use arrest threats to create panic and prevent victims from thinking rationally.
- Demands for Payment: Victims are tricked into transferring large amounts to fake accounts under pretenses like "clearing their name" or providing "refundable security deposits."
- Administrative Aspects:-
- Role of State: ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects as per the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India.
- Role of Centre: It supplements initiatives of the States/UTs through advisories and financial assistance under various schemes for capacity building.
Steps taken to deal with digital arrest
- I4C (Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre): Established by the Ministry of Home Affairs as the central coordinating body for all cybercrimes.
- Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC): established at I4C where banks, telecom providers, and law enforcement work together.
- Samanvaya Platform: It acts as a data repository and coordination system for interstate crime linkages.
- Suspect Registry: Launched in collaboration with banks to track cybercriminal identifiers.
- Report and Check Suspect: New feature on cybercrime.gov.in allowing citizens to search criminal databases.
- CERT-IN guidelines: Verify the caller’s identity, Do not panic or transfer money under pressure (take a moment to assess the situation calmly), Avoid sharing personal information, Do not share your device with strangers
