Jamnagar Police Crack Down on Cyber Fraud Ring
Jamnagar, India – In a shocking case of cyber fraud, three individuals—including two insurance agents—were arrested for orchestrating a ‘digital arrest’ and scamming a 55-year-old man out of ₹13 lakh.
The accused, Savan Vanzara (27) and Chandresh Bhut (27), both insurance agents, along with their associate Bharat Govani, were taken into custody by the Jamnagar Cybercrime Police on Tuesday.
How the Fraud Unfolded
According to police reports, the fraudsters posed as officials from the Mumbai Crime Branch, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and local law enforcement to intimidate their victim. The elaborate scam began with a phone call from someone impersonating a courier company representative.
The caller falsely claimed that a package linked to the victim’s Aadhar number contained five passports, credit cards, narcotics, and laptops. Under the pretense of a narcotics investigation, the fraudsters pressured the victim into transferring a large sum of money.
When the victim expressed his inability to travel to Mumbai, the scammers escalated their threats by introducing another impersonator—claiming to be a CBI officer—who sent a fake CBI letter via WhatsApp with the victim’s details.
Fearing legal trouble, the victim complied with their demands, sharing his bank details and transferring ₹13 lakh, believing it was a security deposit. The scammers forced him to stay in front of his computer screen for two hours—a tactic known as a ‘digital arrest’—to ensure compliance. Once the transfer was complete, the fraudsters cut all communication.
Bank Accounts Used for Money Laundering
Investigators revealed that the stolen money was routed through multiple accounts, with ₹5 lakh deposited into an account opened by Vanzara and Bhut. Police suspect this account was rented out to cyber criminals, facilitating fraudulent transactions amounting to ₹58 lakh.
Cybercrime Inspector I.A. Ghasura stated that police are actively investigating the ultimate recipients of the siphoned funds, particularly focusing on transactions in Rajasthan.
Nationwide Modus Operandi
Authorities suspect that the same scam has been used to target individuals in Goa, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Law enforcement agencies across these states are now coordinating efforts to identify other potential victims and crack down on similar cyber fraud networks.
Police Advisory: How to Stay Safe
Jamnagar Police urge citizens to stay alert against cyber frauds by following these precautions:
- Verify Caller Identity – Government agencies do not make legal threats over the phone.
- Never Share Personal or Banking Details – Official entities never ask for personal information via calls or WhatsApp.
- Avoid Panic Transactions – Scammers use fear tactics. Take time to verify claims before making any financial decisions.
- Report Suspicious Calls Immediately – Contact local cybercrime helplines or dial 1930 to report fraud attempts.
This case underscores the growing threat of cybercrime in India and the importance of public awareness. Authorities continue to investigate the wider network involved in this digital scam.
