How Three Men Used Video Calls to Trap a Noida Resident in a Rs 1.7 Crore Fraud Web
Noida police arrested Prince Kumar, Vidyasagar Yadav, and Avnish Kumar—three men from Bihar accused of defrauding a resident of Sector 62, Noida, of Rs 1.7 crore. The scam spanned over a week from September 9 to 15, 2025, using a sophisticated “digital arrest” tactic involving coercive video calls and mule bank accounts.
The Dark Art of Digital Arrest: Fear and Fraud Delivered via Video Call
Victims receive chilling video calls from fraudsters impersonating CBI officials, falsely accusing them of involvement in serious crimes such as money laundering or cases linked to high-profile figures like Naresh Goyal. The victim in this case was coerced into transferring money while remaining on video calls for hours to increase psychological pressure.
Mule accounts—bank accounts used to funnel illicit funds—were key to the scam. These accounts help obscure money trails by moving funds rapidly among gang members. Police investigations traced Rs 2 lakh to Prince Kumar’s account, Rs 72,000 to Avnish Kumar, and Rs 57,000 to Vidyasagar Yadav.
Behind the Numbers: Psychological Impact on Victims and Community Concerns
Beyond financial losses, victims endure emotional distress, anxiety, and mistrust towards digital communication channels. The case has shone a light on the emerging threats posed by cyber fraud, urging communities to stay informed and cautious.
Police Strike Back: Recovery Efforts and Hunt for Accomplices
Law enforcement agencies froze several suspicious accounts, recovering Rs 17.48 lakh, with refunds to victims underway. Police have formed specialized teams to dismantle the full fraud network, seeking other culprits linked to the mule account system.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Shavya Goyal cautioned:
“Fraudsters use fear tactics impersonating officials. People must not panic but report immediately to police or the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.”
What Exactly is a Digital Arrest Scam?
This modern cybercrime combines technological trickery and psychological manipulation. Fraudsters pose as officials on calls or chats, present fake authority documents, and threaten immediate arrest or legal action. Extended video calls isolate and intimidate victims into compliance, often involving transfers of money, cryptocurrency, or sensitive data.
The use of AI-based techniques like voice cloning and deepfake videos has made these scams frighteningly convincing, necessitating enhanced public awareness and rigorous cybersecurity measures.
Related Crime Uncovered: Multi-Crore Land Fraud in Noida
In an unrelated but alarming case, police arrested property dealer Zeeshan Ali, accused of duping a businessman of over Rs 9.5 crore using forged bank No Objection Certificates during a commercial plot sale. The victim discovered the fraud after receiving an auction notice on the property.
Legal Pathway: Charges and Judicial Process Ahead
The accused face charges including cheating, criminal intimidation, forgery, and cybercrime under the IT Act. Investigations will leverage financial forensics and digital evidence to build prosecution cases aimed at deterrence.
Police and Public: Collaborating Against Rising Cybercrime
Police initiatives now combine enforcement with prevention through public education campaigns urging caution, verification of unsolicited calls, and timely reporting. Citizens are encouraged to safeguard personal data, practice digital hygiene, and seek official confirmation before taking any action.
The Bigger Picture: Cybercrime Trends in NCR
The National Capital Region has witnessed a rise in cyber frauds exploiting increased digital dependence. Complex scams like digital arrests highlight vulnerabilities and call for multi-sectoral responses including law enforcement, legal reforms, technology firms, and community outreach.
This case is a wake-up call about the evolving nature of cybercrime and the importance of vigilance. Reporting, awareness, and swift action remain the best defense against such scams.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a digital arrest scam?
A digital arrest scam is a cyber fraud where scammers impersonate law enforcement officials on video calls to intimidate victims into transferring money to mule accounts to avoid fake legal trouble.
How did the Bihar trio carry out this scam?
They coerced the victim via prolonged video calls, claimed his phone was linked to illegal transactions, and forced transfers totaling Rs 1.7 crore into multiple bank accounts used to launder money.
How much money have the police recovered?
Police have recovered around Rs 17.48 lakh by freezing suspicious accounts linked to the accused.
Who are the accused people?
Prince Kumar, Vidyasagar Yadav, and Avnish Kumar, all from Bihar, were arrested in Ghaziabad for running the scam.
What should one do if targeted by such scams?
Do not panic, never share personal or financial details, hang up suspicious calls, verify official communication independently, and immediately report to cybercrime police or the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
What legal actions are being taken?
The accused face charges under Indian Penal Code sections related to cheating, criminal intimidation, forgery, and cyber laws under the IT Act, 2000.
Are digital arrest scams common in India?
Yes, these scams have risen sharply, targeting vulnerable individuals using psychological manipulation and sophisticated technology to extort money.