Mumbai Cyber Police Crack Digital Arrest Scam; 1.6 Crore Stolen From Elderly Woman

In a high‑profile crackdown, Mumbai’s West Cyber Police arrested Ankush More of Nashik for orchestrating a digital arrest scam that swindled an elderly social worker out of 1.6 crore rupees.

Lead

On 24 November 2025, a 73‑year‑old woman from Khar, Mumbai, was duped by a fraudster pretending to be a TRAI employee and a Delhi police officer. The culprit promised that her SIM card would be deactivated unless she transferred 1.6 crore rupees – money that was never recovered. The West Cyber Police traced the scam to Ankush More, who was arrested in Nashik and remanded into judicial custody.

Background/Context

Digital arrest scams have surged across India over the past two years, exploiting the trust that citizens place in government agencies. With the advent of online policing, perpetrators now voice fake commands via phone or chat, demanding undue payments to avert digital detention. Digital arrest scam, as seen in this incident, exploits the fear that users’ mobile SIM cards will be disconnected, creating a sense of urgency that leads to costly mistakes.

In 2024, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology released a circular warning citizens of new legal frameworks for ‘digital arrest’. Unfortunately, lax regulation and a lack of awareness have left many, especially the elderly and international students, vulnerable.

Key Developments

Western Cyber Police’s investigation uncovered the following critical facts:

• Initial Contact – The victim received a call from a voice that mimicked a TRAI official. The caller warned that her SIM would be deactivated for “suspected misuse” unless payment was made.
• Impersonation of Law Enforcement – Within 15 minutes, another caller, purporting to be a Delhi Police and CBI officer, alleged the victim was laundering money and that bank accounts had been opened in her name.
• – The fraudster assured that she would not face physical arrest due to her age but would remain under “digital arrest” until the investigation concluded, bolstering the deception.
• – The victim transferred 1,60,00,000 rupees to a bank account linked to the scammer, believing the money would be returned post‑investigation.
• Investigators traced the account to Ankush More, who had used VPN services and deleted call logs to cover tracks. He was apprehended in Nashik on 18 November 2025 and is now under judicial custody.
• The police recovered 45 % of the transferred amount, but 55 % remains undistributed as of the latest update.

Impact Analysis

While the victim’s loss is devastating, the implications extend far beyond a single case:

• Legal Ramifications – The scam triggers several charges under the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Indian Penal Code, and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
• Digital Security Awareness – A growing segment of the population, including international students on study visas, have reported increased fear of falling victim to similar scams while abroad.
• Financial Instability – The loss of 1.6 crore rupees represents a significant drain on family resources, potentially impacting investment in education and property.
• Confidence in Digital Authorities – Public trust in legitimate government channels may erode, leading to reduced cooperation in cybercrime investigations.

For international students, the risk of telecommunication fraud is particularly acute. Their reliance on mobile connectivity makes them attractive targets for impersonators claiming to be officials of the embassy or local authorities.

Expert Insights / Tips

Cyber‑crime specialist Dr. Radhika Sharma from the National Crime Records Bureau offered practical advice:

• Verify Caller Credentials – Before sharing any personal or financial details, callers should verify their identity by contacting the official number listed on the government website. A phone call with an official will usually respond quickly and correctly.
• Use Two‑Factor Authentication – Enabling 2FA on bank accounts and SIM profiles adds an extra layer of security, making quick transfers difficult for fraudsters.
• Check SIM Status Online – Instead of relying on phone alerts, students and citizens should log into the TRAI portal to check SIM activation status.
• Report Suspicious Calls Immediately – Victims should file a complaint with the local police and the West Cyber Police. Early reporting can aid investigators in constraining the fraud ring and recovering funds.
• Maintain a Record of Communications – Useful screenshots, call logs, messages, and bank statements should be preserved as evidence.

In a statement, the West Cyber Police emphasized that digital arrest scams blend legitimate legal jargon with urgent threats, a tactic that is difficult to detect without proper user awareness and technological safeguards.

Looking Ahead

As cyber‑crime continues to evolve, authorities are planning several measures:

• Legal Reforms – The Ministry of Law is drafting amendments that criminalise impersonation of police and government officials, specifically targeting digital arrest references.
• Public Awareness Campaigns – The Government of Maharashtra has launched a state‑wide campaign featuring billboards and digital signage to warn citizens about the specifics of a digital arrest scam.
• Collaboration with Telecom Operators – Telecom companies will implement sophisticated call‑screening algorithms to flag suspicious communications that use known scam scripts.
• International Cooperation – Given the cross‑border nature of many fraud rings, the Police Crime Commissioner has requested coordination with foreign law‑enforcement agencies to apprehend overseas perpetrators.

For students and travelers, these developments underscore the urgent need for robust digital hygiene protocols and continual vigilance against “digital arrest” threats.

Reach out to us for personalized consultation based on your specific requirements.