The Cyber Crime Unit of the Crime Branch, Odisha, has arrested Rohit Kumar Jaiswal (26 years) from Howrah, West Bengal, in connection with a massive Rs 73.62 lakh digital arrest scam.
According to the complaint filed on May 15, 2024, the victim from Paradip was targeted by fraudsters impersonating CBI and Delhi Police officers. They falsely claimed that a parcel registered in his name was seized by Delhi Customs, allegedly containing ATM cards, passports, laptops, and MDMA drugs. The fraudsters then coerced the victim into transferring ₹73.62 lakh to prove his innocence.
An investigation led by Dy. SP Shradhanjali Panda tracked the accused to Howrah, West Bengal, where he was arrested and brought to Odisha on transit remand. Authorities have seized mobile phones, SIM cards, Aadhaar cards, and other incriminating items. Additionally, multiple bank accounts linked to the fraud have been frozen.
Officials have urged citizens to beware of unsolicited calls from individuals impersonating police officers or government officials on social media and messaging apps. The Crime Branch emphasised that there is no legal concept of “Digital Arrest”, urging people to report cyber scams immediately via the 1930 Cyber Helpline or their nearest police station.
The investigation continues as authorities probe the interstate network involved in this scam.
