In a coordinated operation with the Tamil Nadu Crime Branch, Chennai Police on Thursday arrested three individuals from Belagavi for allegedly operating a cyber fraud racket involving fake companies and fraudulent bank accounts.
The accused, identified as Anil Kolhapur from Kuvempu Nagar, Rohan Kamble from Ganeshpur, and Sarvesha Kivi from RTO Circle, were apprehended in Belagavi, produced before the 3rd JMFC Court, and later taken to Chennai for further investigation.
According to Belagavi City Police Commissioner Bhushan Gulabrao Borase, the arrests were made following a formal request from the ADGP of the Tamil Nadu Crime Branch. The CEN police in Belagavi coordinated with Tamil Nadu officials to assist in the operation.
Borase stated that the trio had created two fake companies and opened bank accounts in their names to route fraudulent funds. They are reportedly linked to 27 cyber fraud cases, three of which are in Bengaluru and Tumakuru, and the remaining in various parts of Tamil Nadu.
Commissioner Borase also issued a public warning about rising cases of online scams, particularly involving investment apps and loan fraud. Fraudsters first obtain phone numbers and lure individuals into WhatsApp groups with promises of high returns. Small payouts are made initially to build trust, after which victims are coaxed into investing larger sums, only to end up losing lakhs.
He also highlighted a disturbing scam trend called “Digital Arrest,” where victims receive threatening calls from impostors claiming to be officials from the ATS, CBI, or ED. These callers allege that drugs have been found in parcels addressed to the victim and demand large sums as ‘security money’ to avoid arrest. Victims are told to stay on video call and are instructed not to inform anyone. Out of fear, some people have transferred ₹30 to ₹40 lakh without any verification.
Borase clarified that no official agency ever demands money in such a manner and advised people to immediately disconnect such calls, block the number, and report it on cyber.gov.in or directly approach the nearest police station.
He revealed that cyber frauds caused losses amounting to ₹22,000 crore across India last year and described such crimes as a form of “digital terrorism.” He urged citizens to remain alert, avoid sharing personal or financial information without proper verification, and report any suspicious activity immediately.
