Supreme Court to Hear Digital Arrest Fraud Cases Today

Digital Desk

During the previous hearing on October 27, the apex court had indicated that it was considering transferring the investigation of these cases to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). A bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said it would first review responses from all state governments before taking a final decision.

Notices were sent to all states and Union Territories, asking them to provide details of FIRs registered in connection with such cyber scams.

Frauds Operated from Abroad

Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that many of these cybercrime networks operate from Myanmar and Thailand, targeting Indian citizens. He explained that several Indians are being lured abroad with fake job offers and then forced to work in "scam compounds" — virtual fraud factories where people are treated like human slaves and made to carry out online scams.

The Ambala Case That Triggered the Action

The Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance after an elderly couple from Ambala, Haryana, lost ₹1.05 crore in a digital arrest fraud. The scammers had posed as police and agency officials, using forged court orders and documents to intimidate the victims into transferring money.

CBI’s Ongoing Investigation

The bench noted that the CBI is already investigating several digital arrest cases and has been asked to submit a comprehensive action plan. The judges also questioned whether the agency has sufficient technical and human resources to manage such cases nationwide.

Earlier, on October 17, the court sought reports from the Centre and the CBI, observing that “this is not an ordinary crime.” It stressed that the forgery of court seals and orders represents a direct attack on the integrity of the justice system. The Haryana government and Ambala Cyber Crime Unit were directed to file their investigation reports. The bench emphasized the need for joint action by both central and state authorities to dismantle these expanding networks.

Cyber Fraud Losses Cross ₹1,100 Crore in Delhi

According to Delhi Police, cybercriminals defrauded citizens of nearly ₹1,000 crore in 2025, with digital arrest, investment, and boss scams among the most common. In 2024, losses had crossed ₹1,100 crore.

While only 10% of stolen funds were frozen last year, the police—working closely with banks—managed to block 20% of fraudulent transactions this year, effectively doubling the recovery rate.

Scammers Use Fake IDs and Court Setups

Investigators revealed that fraudsters often speak fluent English, display fake ID cards, and use official-looking digital backdrops during video calls to appear legitimate. Some even stage fake video hearings resembling court proceedings to pressure victims. Officials noted that educated, law-abiding citizens are often more vulnerable because they tend to trust official-looking communications.

Police reiterated that no legitimate agency conducts investigations or financial transactions over phone or video calls.

Police Appeal: Report Immediately

DCP Vineet Kumar of the Delhi Police Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) Unit urged citizens to call the 1930 cybercrime helpline immediately upon detecting a scam.

“If you report quickly, we can freeze the money in the bank accounts,” he said, adding that 24 helpline lines operate round the clock for swift complaint registration.

He cautioned that many victims are deceived because fraudulent messages appear to come from official IDs or verified company numbers, stressing that prompt reporting is the only way to prevent financial loss.