Belagavi: In a major breakthrough against cybercrime, Belagavi city police have frozen 390 mule bank accounts and seized ₹90 lakh in connection with a massive ₹15.4 crore “digital arrest” scam targeting an elderly businessman.
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The victim, an 81-year-old businessman, was allegedly duped by fraudsters posing as officials from a central government agency. Using intimidation tactics and the threat of a so-called “digital arrest,” the accused coerced him into transferring large sums of money in multiple transactions between February 7 and March 9.
Police said the fraudsters convinced the victim to liquidate long-term stock market investments, with individual transfers ranging from ₹1 crore to ₹2.5 crore.
Despite a delay in filing the complaint, investigators managed to freeze ₹90 lakh before it could be withdrawn. The siphoned funds were routed through a network of mule accounts across multiple banks, indicating a well-organized inter-state cybercrime operation. Initial findings suggest the calls originated from Uttarakhand.
Police Commissioner Bhushan Borase stated that KYC verification of all 390 accounts is underway to trace beneficiaries and track transaction trails. He added that the victim must approach the court for reversal of funds, after which police will submit a detailed report for recovery.
Calling it a “massive exercise,” officials expressed confidence that the verification process will be completed soon. Authorities are also probing three similar cases.
Police have issued a public advisory, clarifying that “digital arrest” has no legal basis and urging citizens to report such fraud attempts immediately to avoid heavy financial losses.
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