Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Jul 15: In a major cybercrime breakthrough, Goa’s Cyber Crime Police have arrested a 25-year-old man from Nashik, Maharashtra, for allegedly defrauding a victim of Rs 2.14 crore through a sophisticated “digital arrest” scam. The accused, identified as Rohan Arun Jhadav, was nabbed following an extensive investigation involving digital forensics and surveillance.
Superintendent of Police (Cyber Crime) Rahul Gupta (IPS), in an official statement, said the accused impersonated officials from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), falsely accusing the complainant of involvement in a money laundering case.
"Using fear tactics and psychological pressure, the accused coerced the victim into believing he was digitally arrested. Over multiple conversations on WhatsApp, he tricked the victim into transferring over Rs 2 crore under the guise of verification and settlement procedures,” said SP Gupta.
The fraud began on May 30, 2025, when the victim received a WhatsApp call from a number with an international code: +96743655530. Claiming that multiple SIM cards were illegally issued using the victim’s Aadhaar, the fraudster fabricated an FIR and manipulated the victim into making several fund transfers.
An FIR was registered on June 23 under Crime No. 19/2025, invoking Sections 318(4), 319(2) read with 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and Section 66-D of the IT Act, pertaining to identity fraud and cyber deception.
A team led by PSI Kunal Verlekar, along with PC Sidesh Palni and PC Aditya Naik, under the supervision of PI Deepak Pednekar, ASP Akshat Ayush (IPS), and SP Rahul Gupta, traced the accused to Hanuman Nagar, Jail Road, Nashik.
“Initial findings indicate that the accused is part of a wider cyber fraud syndicate, potentially operating across multiple states. Efforts are ongoing to trace other members and the full money trail,” said SP Gupta.
The police have seized digital devices and bank documents from the accused and are analysing them for leads.
“This case reflects the changing face of cybercrime — impersonation, digital coercion, and fund rerouting. It also underscores the urgent need for increased public awareness around such scams,” SP Gupta stated.
Authorities have urged citizens to be vigilant, particularly against calls or messages from unknown numbers posing as government or enforcement agencies.