90-year-old Surat man loses Rs 1.15 crore in fake ‘digital arrest’ scam, five held | Crime News

Five people connected to the racket have been arrested by the Surat Crime Branch, which uncovered links to a gang reportedly operating from China. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Bhavesh Rozia, the suspected mastermind, Parth Gopani, is still at large and is thought to be in Cambodia.

The suspected mastermind Parth Gopani remains at large and is believed to be in Cambodia

Surat: A 90-year-old man from Surat, Gujarat, lost his life savings of over Rs 1 crore after being duped by fraudsters pretending to be CBI officers. The scam involved the elderly man being placed under a fake ‘digital arrest’ for 15 days on false allegations of drug trafficking and money laundering.

The Surat Crime Branch has arrested five people linked to the racket, which was allegedly operated in coordination with a gang based in China. However, the suspected mastermind, Parth Gopani, remains at large and is believed to be in Cambodia, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Bhavesh Rozia, NDTV reported.

How the scam unfolded

The elderly victim, a stock market trader, reportedly received a WhatsApp call from one of the conmen posing as a CBI officer. The caller claimed that 400 grams of MD drugs had been found in a parcel allegedly couriered in the man’s name from Mumbai to China. Accusing him of money laundering, the scammers threatened legal action and arrest, including his family members.

Pretending an interrogation process, the fraudsters kept the man under ‘digital arrest,’ manipulating him to reveal bank details. Over a span of 15 days, they siphoned off Rs 1.15 crore from his account. When the victim’s family became aware of the scam, they approached Surat Cyber Cell and filed a complaint on October 29.

Arrests and investigation

Police have arrested five suspects—Ramesh Surana, Umesh Jinjala, Naresh Surana, Rajesh Deora, and Gaurang Rakholiya—recovering multiple items, including 46 debit cards, 23 cheque books, 28 SIM cards, nine mobile phones, a vehicle, and rubber stamps of four firms. A search is underway for Gopani, with his sketch released to aid the investigation.

The rise of ‘digital arrest’ scams

Cyber law expert Pawan Duggal described ‘digital arrest’ as a scam tactic designed to instill fear and exploit victims financially under the guise of fabricated charges. Despite repeated advisories clarifying that no such concept exists under Indian law, cybercriminals continue to use this method to dupe people. The Centre recently issued warnings about an increase in similar scams, where fraudsters issue fake notices to intimidate victims into compliance.

Adan Khan

Adan Khan is an emerging journalist with a keen focus on crime and politics. With a talent for making complex issues accessible, he has quickly become known for his ability to clarify intricate topics. Now with a year of experience in the news industry, Adan remains committed to delivering the truth, regardless of its difficulty. His writing seeks to make critical subjects both clear and engaging, offering readers insightful perspectives and guiding them through challenging issues. Dedicated to continuous growth, Adan is here to inform, engage, and make a meaningful impact in journalism.

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