MUMBAI — The North Regional Cyber Division of the Mumbai Police has apprehended a man from Gujarat for his alleged role in a sophisticated cyber-fraud scheme that duped a 77-year-old resident of Goregaon of ₹2.25 crore. The arrest, announced on Friday, March 6, 2026, follows a detailed technical investigation into a “digital arrest” scam where the victim was coerced into transferring his life savings under the threat of a fake terrorism-related probe.
The accused, identified as Kishan Bhaveshbhai Makwana, is alleged to have functioned as a key facilitator for a wider cyber-criminal syndicate. According to police officials, Makwana’s primary role involved opening and managing various bank accounts used to “park” and laundered funds stolen from unsuspecting victims. The investigation began after the septuagenarian complainant reported being contacted in November 2025 by individuals posing as high-ranking law enforcement officers.
The Anatomy of the Deception
The fraudsters employed a multi-layered psychological tactic to trap the victim:
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Initial Contact: A caller identifying himself as “Akash Sharma” from the Mumbai Police Headquarters accused the victim of opening a bank account in Jammu and Kashmir to facilitate terrorist activities.
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Escalation: The call was transferred to a person claiming to be from the Lucknow Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). They alleged the victim’s Aadhaar card was linked to a ₹70 lakh commission paid by suspected terrorists.
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Forced Cooperation: To solidify the threat, the victim received WhatsApp messages containing a fake arrest warrant and a seizure order. These documents carried the forged signature of then-NIA chief Sadanand Date, warning of 10 years’ imprisonment.
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Financial Transfer: Fearing immediate arrest, the victim was convinced to “clear his name” by transferring his funds to a “secure” government account for verification. Between November 18 and December 3, 2025, the senior citizen transferred over ₹2.25 crore in multiple transactions.
Police Action and Investigation
Once the transfers were complete, the fraudsters falsely assured the victim that his “bail” had been approved and the money would be returned. When the promised refund never materialized, the victim approached the cyber cell. Technical analysis of the money trail led investigators to Makwana in Gujarat, where he was nabbed earlier this week.
Mumbai Police have reiterated that legitimate law enforcement agencies never conduct “digital arrests” via video calls or demand fund transfers to verify a citizen’s innocence. Makwana remains in custody as officials work to trace the remaining members of the syndicate and recover the stolen assets.
