A24-year-old man has been arrested from Gujarat for his alleged involvement in an international cyber fraud network that cheated a Navi Mumbai resident of nearly Rs 1.55 crore through a , police said on Friday.
The accused, identified as Umang Vijaybhai Lakod, was arrested from Vadodara on July 3 following an investigation by the Navi Mumbai police. Officials said Lakod, who has studied electrical engineering, allegedly helped cyber criminals by activating and supplying SIM cards used in online fraud operations.
According to police, the accused allegedly activated and sent more than 1,000 SIM cards to Cambodia, where they were used to facilitate transnational cybercrimes.
Victim threatened using fake documents and video calls
The Navi Mumbai police said the victim was targeted between March 23 and March 31 this year. contacted him through WhatsApp and Signal while pretending to be officials from the Anti-Terrorism Squad.
The accused allegedly sent the victim a fake letter carrying the name and logo of the Reserve Bank of India, along with a forged arrest warrant, to create fear and pressure him into transferring money.
“The fraudsters induced panic by placing the victim under a ‘digital arrest’ via video calls. To ‘save’ the victim from legal consequences, they provided multiple bank accounts and forced him to transfer a staggering Rs 1,54,98,000,” the release said.
Police recover SIM cards and other evidence
Following a technical investigation of the WhatsApp accounts, Signal profiles, and mobile numbers used in , police traced Lakod to Gujarat and arrested him from Vadodara.
“Police recovered 347 SIM card pouches belonging to various telecom companies, three mobile phones, two debit cards, six chequebooks, one passbook and two Aadhaar cards,” it said.
Investigators said Lakod allegedly activated mobile phones and SIM cards that were later used by fraudsters to contact and target victims. These devices and SIM cards were reportedly sent to Cambodia as part of a larger cybercrime operation.
“Further probe has established that he has activated and sent more than 1,000 SIM cards to Cambodia so far,” the release said.
Police warn citizens against online fraud schemes
Authorities have urged people to remain cautious while interacting with unknown users on messaging and social media platforms.
Police advised citizens not to download suspicious files or respond to unsolicited messages on platforms such as Telegram, Instagram, or WhatsApp promising easy earnings, online assignments, or unusually high returns through investments.
Officials said people targeted by should immediately approach their nearest police station or report the matter through the national cybercrime helpline number 1930.