Unveiling the 'Digital Arrest' Racket: A Multi-State Cybercrime Operation

Seventeen individuals, including four from Taiwan, were arrested in India for a large-scale 'digital arrest' scam. This cybercrime involved tricking victims into believing they were under investigation, coercing them to transfer massive funds. The operation spanned multiple states, with high-tech methods including video surveillance and online tools.

The Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Branch has dismantled a notorious 'digital arrest' racket, leading to the arrest of 17 individuals, including four Taiwanese nationals, according to a statement from the Gujarat police on Monday.

The nefarious scheme involved deceiving individuals into thinking they were under investigation for serious crimes like money laundering or drug smuggling. Victims were coerced into obeying scammers' commands while being watched through video calls, eventually leading them to transfer significant sums of money.

Authorities revealed that the operation ran across multiple Indian states, using technology such as mobile apps to transfer funds internationally, with accusations pointing to a potential 1,000 victims. Police have recovered substantial evidence, including cash, SIM cards, and communication devices, as they continue to unravel the complex cyber scam.

(With inputs from agencies.)