Muzaffarpur: The cyber police in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district have arrested a man accused of being the mastermind of an interstate cyber fraud network that allegedly impersonated CBI officers and police personnel to extort money from victims through digital arrest scams.
The accused, identified as Tipu Kushwaha, was arrested during a raid in Deoria district of Uttar Pradesh. Police also recovered a mobile phone allegedly used in the fraudulent activities. Investigators are examining the network’s connections across several states and probing a possible link to Iraq.
Technical Inputs Lead to Arrest in Uttar Pradesh
According to the police, a special team led by Cyber Deputy Superintendent of Police Himanshu Kumar carried out the operation based on technical inputs and banking transaction records.
The team traced the alleged suspect to Deoria, where he was arrested. Tipu Kushwaha is reportedly a resident of Bariyarpur.
Police are examining the seized mobile phone as part of the investigation to gather further evidence and identify other people allegedly involved in the network.
Gang Allegedly Posed as CBI and Police Officers
According to preliminary findings, members of the gang allegedly called people while posing as CBI officers or police personnel. They reportedly threatened victims with investigation, arrest or other legal consequences and claimed that the victims had been placed under digital arrest.
The fraudsters allegedly used fear and intimidation to pressure victims into transferring money, resulting in losses worth lakhs of rupees.
Digital arrest is a form of cyber fraud in which criminals impersonate law enforcement or investigative agencies through phone or video calls to intimidate victims and extort money.
Calls Made Using Pakistani and Other Mobile Numbers
Investigators have found preliminary indications that the gang used Pakistani and mobile numbers from other Indian states to contact potential victims.
The callers allegedly presented themselves as officials from investigative agencies or the police and used threats to pressure people into complying with their demands.
The cyber police are investigating which numbers and technical methods were used to make the calls and whether other individuals or groups helped facilitate the fraud.
Police Investigating Possible Iraq Connection
Cyber DSP Himanshu Kumar said the arrested accused had been questioned and that preliminary information suggested the network operated across multiple states.
According to the officer, investigators have also received information about a suspected connection between a person linked to the fraud network and Iraq. Authorities are examining this lead as part of the ongoing investigation.
The seized mobile phone is undergoing technical analysis to establish further details about the alleged operation and its contacts.
Search Underway for Other Suspects
Police are analysing mobile phone data and banking transactions to identify other members of the alleged network. Further action is expected as investigators establish the roles of suspected accomplices and trace the movement of money.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the alleged international connection has not yet been independently established.
