Jalandhar, October 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested a Kolkata-based man in connection with an alleged Rs 7-crore “digital arrest” fraud in which a Ludhiana resident was threatened by cybercriminals impersonating Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials and a judge.
The ED’s Jalandhar Zonal Office arrested Sohel Akhtar, alias Raju, following search operations at three locations in West Bengal on September 28 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. He is the third accused arrested in the case.
Akhtar was produced before the Additional District and Sessions Judge in Jalandhar, who remanded him to ED custody until October 6. The agency had earlier arrested Rumi Kalita on December 23, 2025, and Arpit Rathore on December 31, 2025.
The investigation began following an FIR registered by the Cyber Crime Police Station in Ludhiana under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. The ED has also included nine other FIRs involving alleged digital arrest cybercrimes linked to the same group.
According to the ED, the gang allegedly defrauded Ludhiana resident S.P. Oswal of Rs 7 crore by impersonating CBI and judicial officials. The proceeds were initially routed through bank accounts of Rigglo Ventures Private Limited and Frozenman Warehousing and Logistics, allegedly controlled by Kalita and Rathore.
The agency said Akhtar played a key role in operating Rigglo Ventures’ bank accounts and recruiting individuals to arrange mule accounts belonging to people and entities. An APK application named “AMMFORWARD” was allegedly used to facilitate the rapid movement of funds.
The ED alleged that the accused arranged mule bank accounts, including accounts belonging to individuals in Cambodia and Vietnam, and received commissions in cryptocurrency through Binance accounts. Mobile phones containing pre-downloaded APK files were allegedly used to enable foreign-based associates in Nepal to access one-time passwords and SMS messages linked to the accounts.
The agency further claimed that the proceeds were routed through multiple accounts, shell entities and trade-based money laundering mechanisms, with some funds transferred overseas. Smaller amounts, ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, were allegedly withdrawn in cash and used to acquire virtual digital assets, which were then transferred to foreign nationals after commissions were retained.
According to the ED, economically vulnerable individuals were allegedly induced to open mule accounts through false promises of loans or employment. Encrypted messaging applications were also reportedly used to share account details with foreign-based associates.
The agency has so far issued a provisional attachment order dated February 14, 2026, covering alleged proceeds of crime worth Rs 1.76 crore. It also filed a charge sheet on February 19 against Kalita, Rathore, Anand Chaudhary, Atanu Chaudhary and Frozenman Warehousing and Logistics. Further investigation is underway.
FOLLOW NOW
