9 Sentenced to Life in West Bengal for ₹1 Crore ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam—India’s First Conviction in Such Cyber Crime

Kalyani, West Bengal — July 2025 — In a historic judgment, a Kalyani district court has sentenced nine individuals to life imprisonment for their involvement in a sophisticated cyber scam known as a “digital arrest.” This marks the first conviction in India for such a crime, setting a precedent in the country’s fight against organized cyber fraud and economic terrorism.

What is a “Digital Arrest”?

A “digital arrest” scam involves fraudsters impersonating law enforcement or government officials via phone or video calls. Victims are told they are under investigation or arrested digitally, using fake FIRs or legal threats. Under pressure, they are coerced into transferring large sums of money to “settle” their non-existent cases.

In this instance, the gang extorted over ₹1 crore from multiple victims using this method.

The Court’s Verdict

The Kalyani trial court, after reviewing digital evidence, call records, and financial trails, sentenced all nine accused to life imprisonment under charges including:

• Cheating and criminal conspiracy (IPC Sections 420, 120B)
• Impersonation of public servants (IPC Section 170)
• Use of communication devices for cybercrime (IT Act Sections 66C, 66D)

How the Scam Worked

1. Fake Calls: Fraudsters posed as police officers, CBI agents, or cybercrime officials.
2. Digital FIR Threats: Victims were shown doctored documents claiming legal action.
3. Video Calls with Fake Officers: Actors in uniform threatened legal arrest unless a payment was made.
4. Money Transfer: Victims, under stress, transferred money to fake bank accounts believing they were avoiding real legal action.

Crackdown & Arrest

West Bengal Cyber Police launched Operation Digital Web, uncovering the scam’s base in Nadia district. Laptops, burner phones, call scripts, and SIM cards were recovered from rented apartments used as “fraud call centers.”

The Ministry of Home Affairs and National Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (NCCC) were involved in tracing the digital trail across states.

Victims Speak

Several victims, including doctors, businessmen, and retired professionals, testified during the trial. One said: I received a call from someone claiming to be from Mumbai Cyber Cell. They said I had committed a financial crime and was under digital arrest. I paid ₹12 lakh to avoid action—only later did I realize it was fake

Why This Case Matters

This ruling is being hailed as a watershed moment in cybercrime enforcement in India. It:

• Confirms digital arrest scams as punishable crimes under Indian law
• Highlights how emotional manipulation and impersonation are used in economic terrorism
• Sends a strong deterrent signal to cybercriminals operating from semi-urban areas using digital infrastructure

Government Advisory

The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) has issued fresh advisories post-verdict:

• No government agency will ever arrest or interrogate via video call
• If contacted by unknown numbers posing as officials, report on cybercrime.gov.in
• Never transfer money based on phone threats or digital FIRs

Final Word

The sentencing of the digital arrest gang in West Bengal is more than a legal win—it’s a message that digital extortion is as serious as physical crime, and India’s judicial system is ready to confront the evolving nature of cyber threats.

Stay alert, stay informed—and never let fear be used as a weapon online.