MUMBAI (Friday, March 6, 2026) — The North Regional Cyber Division of the Mumbai Police has arrested a man from Gujarat for his alleged role in a sophisticated “digital arrest” scam. The victim, a 77-year-old resident of Goregaon, was coerced into transferring ₹2.25 crore after being falsely accused of money laundering and involvement in terrorism.
The Modus Operandi: A Fake Terrorism Probe
The fraud, which began in November 2025 and continued through early December, involved a high-pressure psychological tactic known as “digital arrest.”
- The Initial Contact: The scammers contacted the septuagenarian pretending to be senior Mumbai Police officials. They claimed his Aadhaar card had been used to open a bank account in Jammu and Kashmir that was being used by terrorists to receive funds.
- The Allegation: The fraudsters alleged that the victim had received a ₹70 lakh commission for facilitating these transactions.
- The “Digital Arrest”: To lend credibility, the criminals sent forged documents via WhatsApp, including a fake arrest warrant and a seizure order bearing the forged signature of the then NIA Chief, Sadanand Date. They warned him of 10 years of imprisonment unless he “cooperated” with a secret investigation.
- The Transfer: Under the guise of “verifying” his legal funds, the victim was instructed to transfer his savings to various bank accounts provided by the scammers. Fearing immediate arrest, he transferred ₹2.25 crore in multiple transactions between November 18 and December 3, 2025.
The Arrest of Kishan Bhaveshbhai Makwana
Following a complaint by the victim, the North Regional Cyber Division conducted a technical analysis of the money trail.
- Account Provider: The investigation led to Kishan Bhaveshbhai Makwana, a resident of Gujarat. Police state that Makwana was responsible for opening “mule” bank accounts used to park and layer the stolen funds before they were siphoned off.
- Apprehension: Makwana was apprehended earlier this week in Gujarat and brought to Mumbai.
- Ongoing Probe: Authorities are currently interrogating Makwana to identify the kingpins of the racket, who are suspected of operating from multiple states and potentially utilizing international crypto-exchanges to launder the proceeds.
How to Protect Yourself from Digital Arrest Scams
Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly clarified that “Digital Arrest” is not a legal procedure.
- No Remote Arrests: Police, CBI, or NIA never arrest citizens over Skype or WhatsApp video calls.
- Verify the Source: If you receive a call claiming to be from a law enforcement agency, hang up and call the official landline of the local police station to verify.
- No Financial Verification: No government agency will ask you to transfer money to a “safe account” or a “government account” for verification.
- Report Immediately: If you are targeted, immediately call the national cybercrime helpline at 1930 or report it on www.cybercrime.gov.in.
Sources
- Press Trust of India (PTI): “Senior citizen duped of Rs 2.25 crore by cyber fraudsters; One held from Gujarat” (March 6, 2026)
- Pudhari News: “Mumbai Cyber Fraud: 77-year-old elderly cheated of 2.25 crores” (March 5, 2026)
- The Economic Times: “Mumbai Police dismantle ‘Digital Arrest’ module; Gujarat man arrested” (March 6, 2026)
- Mumbai Mirror: “Goregaon senior citizen loses ₹2.25 cr to fake NIA probe; mule account holder nabbed” (March 6, 2026)
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