Mumbai: The 1930 Cyber Helpline Team of the Mumbai Crime Branch successfully prevented a major financial scam and saved ₹1.29 crore belonging to a 73-year-old doctor from Vile Parle, who was targeted in a “digital arrest” cyber fraud.

The senior citizen contacted the 1930 helpline after being duped by unknown individuals who posed as TRAI officials, police officers, and even a judge through video calls. The fraudsters falsely claimed that the doctor’s bank account was involved in irregular activities and connected to a case involving Naresh Goyal, threatening digital arrest if he did not comply. Between June 2 and June 4, the victim was coerced into transferring a total of ₹2.89 crore across multiple bank accounts.

Upon receiving the complaint, the 1930 Cyber Helpline Team — including Police Sub-Inspectors Mangesh Bhor and Nivrutti Bavaskar, Constables Abhijeet Raul, Kiran Patil, Minal Rane, and Sonali Kakad — immediately lodged the complaint on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP). They coordinated with nodal officers of the concerned banks to freeze the fraudulent accounts, successfully securing ₹1.29 crore of the defrauded amount.

The operation was carried out under the guidance of Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, Joint Commissioner (Crime) Lakhmi Gautam, Additional Commissioner (Crime) Shailesh Balkawade, and Deputy Commissioner (Cyber Crime) Purushottam Karad, with supervision by Sr. Inspector Suvarna Shinde and her team at the West Region Cyber Police Station.

Mumbai Police has issued a strong advisory to citizens, warning them against falling prey to "digital arrest" scams. There is no such legal provision as a digital arrest, and no legitimate law enforcement or government agency demands money over phone or video call.

Never trust unknown calls claiming to be from police, CBI, or courts demanding money. “Digital arrest” via video call is fake — such calls are purely psychological pressure tactics. Do not believe claims about drug-laced parcels or arrest warrants unless verified. Real arrests are conducted only via written notice and official warrant. In case of suspicious calls or online fraud attempts, contact Mumbai Police’s 'Digital Rakshak' Helpline immediately at 7715004444 or 7400086666.