The Maharashtra Cyber Department has uncovered an international network linked to Hong Kong, China, and Indonesia while investigating a ₹58 crore "digital arrest" fraud in Mumbai. This scam is one of India’s biggest reported cases of its kind, involving cybercriminals who impersonated Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials to extort money from a businessman.
The scam took place between August 19 and October 8, 2025. During this period, fraudsters contacted a Mumbai-based businessman, claiming to be CBI officers investigating financial irregularities. Using intimidation tactics and threatening legal action, they convinced him to join video calls under the pretense of official inquiries. Over several hours, the cybercriminals managed to siphon off ₹58 crore from his bank accounts.
Officials said the gang operated through cryptocurrency transactions. The stolen funds were routed abroad using multiple crypto wallets, making it difficult to trace. Investigators also discovered that the fraudsters worked through a network of commission-based bank accounts, ensuring that the money could move quickly and covertly.
The Maharashtra Cyber Department has been actively investigating the case. During the probe, officers found that this scam was part of a larger international syndicate that has been targeting Indian citizens for over a year. Fraudsters used similar "digital arrest" tactics to intimidate victims and extract large sums of money.
The modus operandi of the scam involved impersonation and intimidation. Cybercriminals contacted victims by phone, claiming to be government officers from CBI or ED. They intimidated the victims, making them believe they were involved in serious legal trouble. Then, they forced the victims to participate in video calls where they were pressured to transfer money to supposedly secure accounts.
In this case, the criminals were able to siphon ₹58 crore by convincing the businessman to send funds through cryptocurrency. By using crypto wallets and international accounts, they avoided detection and made tracing the money extremely challenging. Maharashtra Cyber officials noted that similar tactics have been used across India to generate massive sums of money.
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Authorities estimate that scams of this type may have collected over ₹2,000 crore nationwide. Victims were targeted from different states, often facing psychological pressure and fear of legal consequences. The "digital arrest" scam is growing rapidly because fraudsters can exploit technology, anonymity, and fear to manipulate victims into transferring money.
Maharashtra Cyber is the nodal agency responsible for cybersecurity and cyber investigations in the state. They have been coordinating with banks, cryptocurrency exchanges, and international law enforcement agencies to trace the stolen money and dismantle the network behind the scam.
Officials warned the public to be cautious and not to respond to calls from unknown individuals claiming to be government officers. They emphasized that legitimate law enforcement agencies never ask for money directly or demand cryptocurrency payments over video calls. Victims are urged to report any suspicious activity immediately to authorities.
The investigation has also revealed the complexity of international cybercrime. Criminals in this syndicate operated across borders, using countries like China, Hong Kong, and Indonesia to launder stolen funds. This has made the operation highly sophisticated and difficult to track.
Cyber experts said that "digital arrest" scams are a growing form of cybercrime in India. Fraudsters use audio and video calls to intimidate victims, making them feel trapped and helpless. Often, victims comply out of fear of imprisonment or other legal consequences, which allows criminals to succeed.
Maharashtra Cyber has promised a thorough investigation and coordination with global agencies to track the funds and bring the perpetrators to justice. They have also initiated awareness campaigns to educate citizens about such scams and how to protect themselves from falling prey.
Experts stress that individuals should never share personal banking information, OTPs, or cryptocurrency wallet details over the phone or video call. Even if the caller claims to be from the CBI, ED, or any other government authority, verification through official channels is essential before taking any action.
In conclusion, the ₹58 crore "digital arrest" case in Mumbai has revealed the scale and sophistication of cybercrime in India. With links extending to multiple countries, the investigation highlights the need for global cooperation, public awareness, and proactive cybersecurity measures. By understanding the tactics used in such scams, citizens can better protect themselves, and authorities can work to dismantle these international criminal networks before they cause further harm.
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