Pune, 21 January 2026: Cybercriminals defrauded a woman from Pune’s Kondhwa area of ₹4.82 crore by falsely accusing her of involvement in money laundering and threatening her with a so-called 'digital arrest.' A case has been registered at the Cyber Police Station.
According to the complaint, the fraud began on December 18, when the woman received a phone call from individuals claiming to be police officers. They told her that several bank accounts had been opened in her name using her Aadhaar card and that these accounts were involved in money laundering activities across different states.
The callers claimed that she was under investigation and falsely informed her that she had been placed under 'digital arrest.' To avoid actual arrest, she was instructed to deposit money into multiple bank accounts provided by the fraudsters. Fearing legal action, the woman transferred money in several installments.
Over time, a total of ₹4 crore 82 lakh 14 thousand was transferred. After realizing that she had been cheated, the woman approached the Cyber Police Station on January 19 and lodged a formal complaint.
Cyber Police officials have clarified that there is no such concept as 'digital arrest.' Police or central investigation agencies never arrest people over phone calls, video calls, or online platforms. Any legal action or arrest is carried out only through written notices or in-person procedures.
The police have urged citizens to remain alert and immediately contact the Cyber Police if anyone demands money by threatening arrest over phone or online communication, warning that such cases are clear instances of cyber fraud.