Mumbai Police have arrested two young men from Chembur for their alleged involvement in a cyber fraud network that cheated an 88-year-old woman of ₹1.55 crore through a so-called digital arrest scam.
The accused, identified as Yash Yogesh Chauhan, 20, and Sameer Balu Bhosale, 21, allegedly provided bank accounts and helped route money collected by the fraud network. Investigators suspect that the accounts were used to move proceeds from cybercrime transactions in exchange for commissions.
Both accused are residents of Ramabai Ambedkar Colony in Chembur. The North Cyber Police reportedly traced them after they had remained untraceable for several months.
Elderly Woman Targeted by Fraudsters Impersonating Police Officers
According to the police complaint, the victim is a retired private-sector employee who lives alone in Malad West.
The alleged fraud began on April 7, 2026, when she received a phone call from a person claiming to be a senior Nashik police officer named Sandeep Rao.
The caller allegedly told her that an arrest warrant had been issued against her in connection with a money-laundering investigation involving her Aadhaar card.
The deception reportedly continued when another individual, identifying himself as an investigation officer named George Mathew, sent her fabricated Supreme Court arrest warrants and official-looking notices.
Using these documents and threats of legal action, the callers allegedly convinced the woman that she was under digital arrest and needed to cooperate with their investigation.
They reportedly asked her to disclose information about her bank accounts, fixed deposits, investments and property holdings.
Victim Transfers ₹1.55 Crore Between April 7 and 25
The fraudsters allegedly instructed the woman to transfer money into specified bank accounts for what they described as a verification process.
They reportedly assured her that the funds would be returned after the supposed investigation was completed.
Fearing arrest and believing the callers were government officials, the woman transferred a total of ₹1,55,10,000 through multiple transactions between April 7 and April 25, 2026.
However, the promised refund never arrived.
The fraud was reportedly uncovered after the woman came across a newspaper report about digital arrest scams. She then discussed her experience with her sister, who recognised that the incident could be a cyber fraud and advised her to approach the authorities.
The victim subsequently contacted the North Cyber Cell. Police registered a case involving allegations of cheating, criminal intimidation and offences under the Information Technology Act.
₹5 Lakh Traced Through One Accused's Bank Account
During the financial investigation, police reportedly identified a transaction of ₹5 lakh from the fraud proceeds passing through Yash Chauhan's bank account.
His Know Your Customer (KYC) records helped investigators establish his identity and trace him.
Police subsequently arrested Chauhan, whose alleged links led them to the second accused, Sameer Bhosale.
Investigators allege that the two provided details of their existing bank accounts and opened additional accounts for use by the fraud syndicate.
Such accounts are commonly referred to as mule accounts when they are used to receive, hold or transfer money obtained through fraudulent activities.
The investigation is examining whether the accused knowingly assisted the network and what role they allegedly played in moving the victim's money.
Police Investigate a Wider Network of Mule Accounts
Investigators suspect that the two arrested men may have been part of a larger group involved in handling money collected through cyber fraud.
Police are reportedly tracing the financial transactions and examining the links between the bank accounts used in the alleged operation.
Authorities also suspect that additional individuals, many believed to be based in Mumbai, may have helped provide bank accounts or facilitate transfers.
A Borivli court has reportedly remanded Chauhan and Bhosale to police custody to enable further investigation.
The recovery and tracing of the remaining money, as well as the identification of other suspected participants, remain important parts of the inquiry.
How Digital Arrest Scams Use Fear and False Authority
Digital arrest scams involve fraudsters impersonating police officers, investigators or other government authorities. They falsely accuse victims of involvement in serious offences and use fabricated documents to make their claims appear genuine.
Victims may be pressured into believing that they face immediate arrest or legal consequences unless they follow instructions from the callers.
In some cases, fraudsters attempt to isolate victims from family members and discourage them from seeking independent advice. They may also demand money under the pretext of verification, investigation or security procedures.
A key safety reminder: Genuine police or court authorities do not conduct arrests through video calls or require people to transfer money into bank accounts for verification. Anyone receiving such threats should avoid transferring funds, independently contact the relevant authorities and inform trusted family members.
The Mumbai case highlights the financial risks posed by impersonation-based cybercrime, particularly for people who may be unfamiliar with these tactics. Tracking suspicious transactions, maintaining proper financial records and investigating unusual fund movements are important elements of fraud prevention. Businesses and individuals seeking support with financial irregularities can explore Shunyatax's financial investigation services.
Police investigations into the alleged fraud network are continuing, with authorities working to identify additional suspects and trace the money transferred by the elderly victim.