TV
The Cyber Police in Bhubaneswar on Saturday busted a major cyber fraud case involving a man posing as a police officer and extorting lakhs of rupees from a city-based software engineer through an elaborate scam termed as ‘digital arrest.’
The accused has been identified as Vishal Ramesh, a Gujarat resident and daily wage labourer. Shockingly, the mastermind has a formal education only up to Class VIII but has equipped himself with technical knowledge to set up this audacious scam.
Modus Operandi Of The Crime
According to police, the fraudster contacted the victim, claiming that a parcel in his name contained illegal drugs. The accused, dressed in a police uniform, conducted a Skype video call where he threatened the victim and instructed him not to leave his room, a tactic described as ‘digital arrest’.
During the video interaction, he coerced the victim into disclosing personal and financial details. When it was found that the victim did not have sufficient money in his bank account, Ramesh allegedly persuaded him to apply for an online loan. As soon as the loan was disbursed, the fraudster siphoned off Rs 6.94 lakh, informed Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena.
Arrest and Investigation
Following a complaint lodged at the Bhubaneswar Cyber Police Station, a team traced the accused to Gujarat and arrested him. During the probe, police managed to freeze Rs 2 lakh from his bank account.
Officials revealed that Ramesh has been named in over 25 cyber fraud cases across different states, adopting similar techniques of impersonation and intimidation.
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Police Statement
Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena confirmed the arrest and said that the case highlights the evolving methods of cyber criminals. He urged citizens to remain cautious against such fraudulent calls and to report suspicious activities immediately.
As per the last reports, an investigation is ongoing to trace Ramesh’s associates and identify other victims who may have fallen prey to his digital arrest scam.
