Fake IPS Officer Scare: Three Arrested in Bhopal for Rs 71 Lakh Digital Arrest Fraud

New Delhi: The Delhi Police's Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit has arrested three people from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, for allegedly cheating a woman of Rs 71 lakh through a digital arrest scam. The accused reportedly impersonated an IPS officer and threatened the victim with arrest by falsely linking her to a money laundering investigation. Police have also recovered three newly purchased expensive mobile phones allegedly bought using the defrauded money.

The investigation further exposed a network of suspicious bank accounts allegedly used to receive, withdraw and transfer the money obtained through cyber fraud.

How did impersonating an IPS officer lead to the Rs 71 lakh fraud?

According to IFSO DCP-I Gaurav Tyagi, the victim initially received an internet-based video call from a person claiming to be an IPS officer posted in Mumbai.

The caller allegedly told her that a credit card issued in her name was being misused for money laundering and that suspicious transactions worth approximately Rs 6.5 crore had been detected.

The fraudsters threatened her with arrest and judicial custody, creating fear of serious legal consequences. Under the pretext of verification, they allegedly pressured her into transferring money to designated bank accounts.

Fearing legal action, the woman transferred a total of Rs 71 lakh through two separate banking transactions.

Following the complaint, an e-FIR (No. 167/2026) was registered at the Special Cell police station on October 8, 2026.

Bank transaction trail leads police to Bhopal

Taking up the case, a specialised IFSO team examined the financial transactions and traced the bank accounts allegedly used to receive and circulate the defrauded amount.

By connecting the transaction records and conducting technical investigations, police identified the suspects and eventually arrested three people from Bhopal.

The arrested individuals include a 31-year-old woman, 28-year-old Aman Soni and his 30-year-old sister.

Rs 15 lakh allegedly withdrawn, three expensive phones recovered

Investigators found that the accused allegedly used their bank accounts to facilitate the movement and withdrawal of the fraud proceeds.

Approximately Rs 15 lakh was reportedly withdrawn and distributed among the accused and their associates. Police also discovered that a portion of the money had been spent on purchasing expensive mobile phones.

Three newly purchased mobile phones allegedly acquired using the proceeds of the fraud have been recovered during the operation.

IFSO team leads the investigation

The arrests were carried out under the close supervision of ACP IFSO Manoj Kumar Mishra and the overall guidance of DCP-I IFSO Gaurav Tyagi.

The investigation and arrest operation involved Sub-Inspector Sachin Dev Dangi, Head Constable Kapil Kumar Tomar and Head Constable Goldy Khatri.

DCP Gaurav Tyagi said efforts to identify organised cybercrime networks, trace the proceeds of fraudulent transactions and take legal action against those involved would continue.