Navi Mumbai Police Bust Interstate Fraud Gang Posing as Tax Officers

Navi Mumbai Cops Bust Cyber Fraud Gang Posing as I-T, CBI Officers; ₹1.8 Cr Extorted from Woman via ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam

In a chilling reminder of how far tech-savvy criminals are willing to go, the Navi Mumbai Police have cracked down on an elaborate interstate cyber racket that preyed on fear and impersonated authority to rob victims of crores.

This wasn’t just any phishing scam—it was a full-blown psychological assault. The accused didn't just pretend to be government officers; they convincingly posed as officials from the Income Tax Department, CBI, Enforcement Directorate, and even invoked the name of the Supreme Court to pressure victims into submission.

The Faces Behind the Fraud

Three individuals have been apprehended so far:

• Ramesh Babulal Seth (45) – Resident of Mumbai
• Amish Deepak Tulsidas Shah (42) – Also from Mumbai
• Rajkumar Gelaram Narang (55) – Hailing from Ahmedabad

While Seth and Shah have already been remanded to judicial custody, Narang remains in police hands as investigations dig deeper into the operations of this network.

How the Scam Played Out

The gang used a sinister, methodical approach. First, they forged documents—official-looking letterheads, rubber stamps, legal notices—all mimicking agencies like the I-T Department, ED, and the Supreme Court.

They then initiated contact over WhatsApp and video calls, projecting a terrifying image of imminent arrest or criminal prosecution. These weren’t idle threats. The callers backed their words with fake legal documents and aggressive questioning, making it appear as though the victim had been “digitally arrested”—a psychological trick where the person is forced to remain on the call, unable to speak with anyone else, simulating real detention.

The woman, a doctor by profession, was told she was involved in financial misconduct through a fictitious company named in Vazipur, Delhi. Scared and isolated, she followed their instructions—transferring over ₹1.81 crore to six separate bank accounts in an attempt to “clear her name.”

A Web of Lies and Shell Companies

The extent of the fraud only came to light after the woman gathered the courage to file an FIR on February 17, 2025, at the Navi Mumbai Cyber Police Station.

What followed was a rigorous multi-state probe. Multiple police teams traced transactions, IP addresses, and bank records, ultimately unraveling a far-reaching syndicate with operations spanning several states.

Among the most damning evidence recovered:

• ₹1.13 crore in cash
• 18 mobile phones, 1 laptop
• 18 cheque books, 32 debit cards, 33 cheques
• 27 SIM cards, rubber stamps, and passbooks
• Documentation related to ten fake firms

The fraudsters had rented office spaces, opened bank accounts using false identities, and set up bogus companies—all tools to make their operations look legitimate.

Repeat Offenders with a Digital Edge

Police officials confirmed that the trio weren’t first-timers. All of them have been linked to earlier cybercrime cases, and their familiarity with digital banking, forged documentation, and psychological manipulation signals a high level of organization.

They now face charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act, and officials suggest more arrests are likely as the investigation expands.

A Wake-Up Call: Don’t Fall for the ‘Digital Arrest’ Trap

The police have urged citizens to stay alert and never fall for high-pressure threats from so-called “officials” on phone or video calls. Here’s what you can do if you suspect something’s off:

🔹 Don’t panic: No genuine government agency will ever arrest or demand money over a call or messaging app. 🔹 Cross-check identities: If someone claims to be from a government body, hang up and verify using official contact details. 🔹 Avoid immediate transfers: Never send money without written notice, verification, or legal counsel. 🔹 Report immediately: Contact the Cybercrime Helpline (1930) or visit your nearest police station.

Final Word

While this case showcases the technological strides police forces are making to match the digital sophistication of today’s criminals, it also serves as a stark reminder: no matter how real the voice or document on the other end may seem, doubt could be your best defence.