Mumbai: A shocking cybercrime has rocked India’s financial and cyber security landscape as a 68-year-old woman from Andheri West, Mumbai, was defrauded of ₹3.71 crore in a meticulously planned “digital arrest” scam, in which fraudsters impersonated law enforcement, Central investigative agencies and even a fake judge identified as “Judge Chandrachud.”
The West Region Cyber Police Station has registered an FIR and launched a full-scale investigation, marking one of the highest-value digital arrest scams reported this year.
What Is a Digital Arrest Scam?
Digital arrest scams is also known as virtual arrest or e-arrest fraud. These are a rapidly increasing form of organized cybercrime in India.
In these scams, perpetrators impersonate law enforcement officers, court officials, government agency staff or investigative heads via phone and video calls to coerce victims into transferring large sums of money or divulging sensitive financial information.
The scammers create psychological pressure, threatening arrest, legal action, asset freezing or criminal prosecution unless victims comply. Often, bogus documents, official seals and fake virtual court appearances are used to reinforce credibility.
Victims are typically persuaded to move money into “secure” accounts or transfer investments under duress.
How the Judge Chandrachud Digital Arrest Scam Unfolded
According to the FIR registered by Mumbai’s Cyber Police:
Initial Contact
On 18 August 2025, the complainant, identified as Dhanalakshmi Satyanarayana Rao Naidu, received a phone call from an individual claiming to be “Vijay Paul,” who said he was connected with the Colaba Police Station.
Impersonation & Intimidation
This was followed by a series of WhatsApp video calls from different numbers.
A caller identifying himself as “SK” claimed that her Aadhaar card had been misused to open a bank account in Canara Bank, which was allegedly involved in money laundering transactions worth ₹6 crore.
Fake Court Hearing
The woman was warned not to tell anyone about the matter and told her case would be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Soon after, a staged virtual court hearing was arranged via video call.
During the hearing, a man dressed in what appeared to be judicial attire introduced himself as “Judge Chandrachud” — using the name of a prominent judicial figure to intensify the deception.
Coercion and Money Transfers
Acting under pressure and believing she was cooperating with genuine authorities, the victim shared all her bank account details.
Between 18 August and early October, she made a series of RTGS transfers totalling ₹3.71 crore to multiple accounts as directed by the fraudsters.
How Does Police Uncovered the Criminal Network
Here is how does police Uncovered the criminal network behind Judge Chandrachud digital arrest scam;
Police Investigation & Arrests
Mumbai Cyber Police have booked offences including cheating, impersonation and use of forged documents against unknown suspects.
A 46-year-old garment trader from Surat, Gujarat was arrested recently for allegedly providing a bank mule account where part of the defrauded funds (approximately ₹1.71 crore) were diverted.
The accused reportedly earned a commission of about ₹6.40 lakh for facilitating transfers through this account.
Police disclosed that two masterminds of the racket are currently believed to be operating from abroad, with one allegedly involved in immigration and visa services — complicating the cross-border investigation.
Growing Trend of Digital Arrest Frauds
This incident is not isolated. Across India, “digital arrest” scams have surged, often targeting senior citizens and vulnerable individuals.
Recent reports show multiple high-value losses and similar schemes:
- A Pune man lost ₹28 lakh in a comparable fraud involving a staged virtual court hearing.
- In Kolkata, an elderly couple was coerced into transferring around ₹65 lakh.
- Authorities in Gujarat reported hundreds of similar scams with total losses exceeding tens of crores.
These trends highlight the escalating sophistication of cybercriminals — leveraging video technology, psychological manipulation and fake digital identities to exploit victims’ fear of legal consequences.
Police Response and Preventive Measures for Judge Chandrachud Digital Arrest Scam
Here are the preventive measures;
Law Enforcement Actions
The Supreme Court of India has directed the CBI to undertake a pan-India probe into digital arrest scams and requested state consents to facilitate unified investigations.
Local police forces, including Mumbai Cyber Crime units, are collaborating with banks and telecom operators to trace mule accounts and intercept fraudulent transfers.
Best Safety Tips of Digital Scams
Cybercrime experts and law enforcement officials recommend:
- Never share personal financial information or OTPs over calls.
- Verify official claims independently using official police or agency contact numbers.
- Avoid pressure compliance — genuine authorities do not demand RTGS transfers to third-party accounts.
- Report suspicious calls immediately to cyber crime units.
Read also: Cybercrime Alert: Retired IAS Officer Scammed of Rs 45 Lakh Through Fake CBI Digital Arrest Calls
