New Delhi, March 26, 2026: Delhi Police have uncovered a large cyber fraud network involved in scams worth around ₹10.6 crore, linked to 89 complaints registered across different states. The operation led to the arrest of six individuals who were allegedly running coordinated schemes such as fake IPO investments, fraudulent online trading platforms, and so-called “digital arrest” scams targeting unsuspecting citizens.
According to investigators, the fraud network used a combination of technical tools and psychological manipulation to deceive victims. Many of the targets were elderly individuals who were less familiar with digital threats. The accused reportedly posed as officials from government agencies like TRAI and CBI, creating fear and urgency to force victims into transferring money.
In one of the most serious cases, an elderly couple was kept under constant pressure for nearly a week through calls and messages from fraudsters pretending to be authorities. The couple was made to believe they were under investigation and needed to cooperate to avoid legal consequences. Under this pressure, they transferred ₹20 lakh. Police later traced ₹18.5 lakh of this amount to a bank account operated by one of the accused, Shashikant Kumar. He was arrested from Ranchi and is believed to be linked to 35 complaints involving nearly ₹2 crore.
In another case, a victim lost ₹7.79 lakh after investing through a fake IPO scheme. The fraud was carried out using a mobile application designed to appear like a legitimate investment platform. Investigators identified Khalid Tyagi as the key आरोपी in this case. He was arrested from Roorkee while allegedly attempting to evade authorities and leave the country. His bank account has been linked to 25 complaints involving more than ₹4 crore in fraudulent transactions.
A third आरोपी, Sachin Mittal, was arrested from Shahdara for running fake online trading schemes. He allegedly lured victims by promising high returns on investments through fabricated platforms. His activities are connected to 24 complaints amounting to over ₹1 crore.
In a separate but related operation involving digital arrest tactics and SIM misuse, police arrested three more individuals — Asif, Nitin Saini, and Virender Mukkhiya — during coordinated raids in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi. Authorities confirmed that in this particular case, they were able to recover 100 percent of the defrauded amount, marking a significant success in cybercrime enforcement.
Officials involved in the investigation stated that these frauds were not isolated incidents but part of a wider, organized network operating across multiple states. The accused used mule bank accounts, fake identities, and digital platforms to move and hide money, making detection more difficult. Interrogations are ongoing to identify additional members and uncover the full scale of the operation.
Cybersecurity experts have pointed out that such scams are increasing due to the growing reliance on digital platforms for communication and investment. Fraudsters are now combining technology with social engineering tactics, such as impersonation and psychological pressure, to make their schemes more convincing. The concept of “digital arrest,” where victims are made to believe they are under official investigation, is emerging as a particularly dangerous trend.
Authorities have urged citizens to remain cautious while dealing with unknown calls, messages, or investment opportunities. People are advised not to trust anyone claiming to be from a government agency without proper verification. They should avoid downloading applications from unverified sources or investing through platforms that promise unusually high returns. Sharing sensitive information such as OTPs, bank details, or personal identification data with unknown individuals should be strictly avoided.
Delhi Police emphasized that public awareness is a key factor in preventing such crimes. While enforcement agencies continue to take strict action against cybercriminals, individuals must also take responsibility for their digital safety. Victims or those who encounter suspicious activity are encouraged to report it immediately through official cybercrime channels.
This crackdown highlights both the scale of cyber fraud in India and the evolving methods used by criminal networks. It also shows that timely investigation and coordinated action can lead to arrests and recovery of funds. However, as digital financial activities continue to grow, the risk of such frauds remains high, making vigilance and awareness more important than ever.