‘Digital arrest’, latest weapon in cybercriminals’ arsenal in Odisha

Photo: OTV

Cybercriminals have found a new strategy known as ‘digital arrest’

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybercrime, cybercriminals have found a new strategy known as ‘digital arrest’ to target individuals. Some higher-ranking officials in Odisha have lost huge amounts of money by falling victim to cyber fraudsters. The matter came to the fore after the Cyber Cell of the Crime Branch brought two Nigerian fraudsters to Odisha by arresting them in Delhi.

In digital arrest scams, fraudsters manipulate technology to instil fear, isolate victims, and ultimately extort them for financial gain.

Digital arrests refer to a type of sophisticated cyber fraud where cyber-criminals impersonate law enforcement officials or other authorities. The targets of these fraudsters are often contacted out of the blue usually on instant messaging apps like WhatsApp and informed that their bank accounts, digital identities, or other online assets have been compromised. Criminals play on the victims’ fear by threatening them with imminent arrest, legal consequences, or public humiliation if they don’t cooperate with a series of urgent demands.

Fraudsters behind digital arrests are masters of psychological manipulation. They understand that fear and urgency are powerful motivators that can cloud judgment and lead people to act against their best interests. By creating a fabricated sense of crisis, they pressure victims into making hasty decisions without the chance for rational thought or verification.

The network is gradually spreading its tentacle in Odisha and by using this evolving technique, fraudsters have duped crores of rupees from some high-ranking officials in the State. A retired IAS official lost more than Rs 2.5 crore to the fraudsters in December 2023. Another senior official of the State government lost Rs 30 lakh in this method to the fraudsters in May 2024.

Following their complaints at Crime Branch Cyber Cell, as many as three fraudsters including two Nigerians were arrested from Delhi on Saturday in connection with the first incident after seven months. Similarly, five international fraudsters were arrested in connection with the second incident on June 5.

Digital Products Experts’ warning

In response, police and cyber experts have warned the officials against digital arrest.

“Cyber criminals are adopting new methods to dupe higher officials. Hence, they should be careful,” said former police official Sarat Chandra Sahoo.

“In digital arrest, the cyber fraudsters impersonate them as police officials to manipulate the victims psychologically and dupe them. The officials should be aware of the development,” said cyber expert Prashant Sahu.