'Digital arrest': Youths posing as Delhi Police swindle Rs 4.12 cr from Kochi woman; arrested

Kakkanad (Kochi): Kochi cyber police arrested two youth from Malappuram’s Areekode for defrauding a woman of Rs 4.12 crore.

The accused, Muhammad Muhasil (22) and KP Mishab (21), convinced the victim, a resident of Vazhakala in Kakkanad, that they were Delhi police officers and executed the fraud.

The duo claimed over the phone that fraudulent activity was occurring through a bank account opened using her Aadhaar card. They informed the victim that she was under ‘digital arrest’ and demanded that she transfer funds from her account for verification. The accused threatened her with legal action if she failed to comply.

Frightened by the threat, the victim transferred Rs 4.11 crore over several days from her accounts in SBI branches to those provided by the fraudsters.

The case, initially registered by Thrikkakara police, was taken over by the Cyber Crime Assistant Commissioner following instructions from the City Police Commissioner.

Police made a breakthrough after finding that a major portion of the amount had been withdrawn in Malappuram and routed through multiple accounts to evade detection. Officials stated that several others were involved and more arrests are expected soon.