CBI Chargesheets Pulwama Firm Owner, Axis Bank Officer in ₹1.6 Crore ‘Digital Arrest’ Fraud Case
Srinagar, August 5, KNT: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a chargesheet against the owner of a Pulwama-based private firm and a Deputy Manager of Axis Bank in connection with a ₹1.6 crore “digital arrest” fraud that targeted a senior citizen in Delhi.
According to the CBI, the case relates to an elaborate cyber fraud in which fraudsters allegedly impersonated law enforcement and judicial officials through video calls to extort money from the victim. The matter was transferred to the CBI by the Supreme Court after initially being investigated by Delhi Police.
The investigation revealed that the bank account of the Pulwama-based firm was allegedly used to receive money obtained through the fraud. The agency also alleged that a serving Deputy Manager of Axis Bank facilitated the siphoning of funds and received part of the crime proceeds.
The CBI said its probe has uncovered the involvement of a transnational organized cybercrime network operating from South-East Asia. The chargesheet includes offences relating to criminal conspiracy, cheating, impersonation using computer resources, receiving stolen property, forgery under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The agency said the investigation is continuing to identify other individuals connected with the cyber fraud network.
The CBI also advised citizens to remain vigilant against so-called “digital arrest” scams, reiterating that no legal provision permits law enforcement agencies to place individuals under “digital arrest” through video calls or online communication. [KNT]
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