Mon Dec 01 13:16:58 UTC 2025: Summary:

A major international cyber-fraud syndicate operating under the “digital arrest” scam was cracked by the Madanapalle police in Annamayya district, Andhra Pradesh, India. The gang, impersonating CBI and ED officers, targeted individuals across the country, coercing them into transferring money. Police arrested three key accused and seized significant amounts of cash, ATM cards, and other evidence. A deeper investigation is underway to trace the gang’s overseas handlers and prevent further incidents.

News Article:

International “Digital Arrest” Scam Busted in Andhra Pradesh, India

RAYACHOTI, Andhra Pradesh – December 1, 2025 – The Madanapalle police of Annamayya district have successfully dismantled a major international cyber-fraud syndicate operating across India under the guise of “digital arrest” scams. The police arrested three key accused involved in impersonating Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers.

Speaking at a press conference, Superintendent of Police Dheeraj Kunubilli revealed that the gang was part of a larger network with links to Cambodia and Kuwait. The scammers targeted vulnerable individuals, intimidating them through video calls and falsely claiming misuse of their PAN details or pending legal action.

One victim, a 75-year-old retired nurse from Madanapalle, was coerced into transferring ₹48 lakh after being threatened with imminent arrest by fake CBI teams.

The police seized ₹32 lakh in cash, 25 ATM cards, three mobile phones, and four SIM cards from the accused. An additional ₹7.65 lakh was frozen in various bank accounts. The SP explained that the gang employed sophisticated techniques to reroute funds, withdraw cash, and erase digital traces.

The breakthrough followed meticulous tracking of money movements and device locations by cyber cell units and a special police team. SP Kunubilli commended the officers involved for their precision and coordination.

“A deeper probe is underway to trace the gang’s overseas handlers, with special parties working to prevent further incidents of this ‘digital arrest’ scam,” the SP stated, emphasizing the commitment to protecting citizens from such fraudulent activities.

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