New Delhi, August 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a chargesheet against the owner of a Kashmir-based firm and a Deputy Manager of Axis Bank in connection with a ‘digital arrest’ scam in which a Delhi-based senior citizen was allegedly cheated of ₹1.6 crore.
The accused named in the chargesheet are Umer Iqbal, proprietor of M/s Himalayan Enterprises, Pulwama, and Umer Ahmad Dar, Deputy Manager at Axis Bank.
According to the CBI, the victim was targeted by fraudsters who impersonated law enforcement and judicial officials through video calls and falsely claimed that she was under investigation in a criminal case. The accused allegedly extorted ₹1.6 crore from her using the fake ‘digital arrest’ method.
The case was transferred to the CBI by the Supreme Court from Delhi Police and was registered by the agency in January 2026.
During the investigation, the CBI arrested Umer Iqbal after finding that the current account of his firm was allegedly used to receive proceeds from the cyber fraud. The agency further claimed that a portion of the defrauded money was paid to Axis Bank Deputy Manager Umer Ahmad Dar for facilitating the transfer and siphoning of funds.
The probe revealed that the fraud was allegedly carried out by a transnational organised criminal network operating from Southeast Asia, the agency said.
The chargesheet has been filed under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including criminal conspiracy, cheating, receiving stolen property and use of forged documents. The accused have also been booked under provisions of the Information Technology Act related to cheating and impersonation through computer resources, along with sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act concerning bribery offences.
The CBI reiterated that it would continue strict action against individuals and entities involved in facilitating cybercrime through misuse of banking and telecom systems.
The agency also cautioned citizens against falling prey to ‘digital arrest’ scams, stressing that there is no legal provision or concept of a digital arrest. People have been advised not to panic, share personal details, or transfer money on the instructions of unknown callers claiming to represent law enforcement or regulatory agencies.
Suspicious cyber activities should be reported immediately to the concerned authorities or through the national cybercrime reporting portal.
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