A startling case of cyber fraud has come to light in Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, where a conman, posing as an officer from a central investigative agency, fraudulently placed a retired businessman under "digital arrest." The accused identified himself as an officer of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and threatened the victim with implication in a 300 crore money laundering scam. Furthermore, the accused used video calls to intimidate the victim, threatening immediate imprisonment if he did not cooperate. Out of fear, the victim transferred approximately 50 lakh rupees to the fraudster.
Cyber Fraudster Apprehended from Gujarat
The retired victim lodged a complaint regarding the fraud at the Cyber Crime Police Station, CID, Ranchi, Jharkhand. Recognizing the gravity of the matter, the CID initiated a swift investigation and, based on technical evidence, discovered that the cyber fraudster was operating from Junagadh district in Gujarat. Taking action, the CID arrested 27-year-old accused, Ravi Hasmukhlal Godhania. Police are now investigating the accused's entire network to determine how many other people he has targeted.
Evidence of Illegal Earnings Recovered
Following the arrest, the CID recovered a mobile phone, SIM card, three ATM cards, three checks, and a hard disk from the accused. The investigation revealed WhatsApp chats and other digital evidence on the accused's mobile phone, confirming the entire conspiracy of the fraud. Most shockingly, 79 lakh rupees were deposited into the accused's Indian Bank account in a single day. This account has been immediately frozen, and all transactions are under investigation.
According to the CID, the accused would pose as an officer from the ED, CBI, or NIA and make video calls to people. He would intimidate them by falsely accusing them of involvement in scams or money laundering and then coerce them into transferring lakhs of rupees into his accounts under the guise of preventing arrest.
No Arrests are Made Via Video Call
The Jharkhand CID has alerted the general public, stating that no central investigative agency ever conducts digital arrests via video calls. Do not transfer money under the threat of any unknown person. If you receive such calls or messages, be immediately vigilant and call the 1930 helpline or register a complaint at www.cybercrime.gov.in. You can also contact your nearest cyber police station or police station.
This case not only highlights the increasing seriousness of cybercrime but also serves as a warning that vigilance and awareness are extremely important on digital platforms.
