The Supreme Court on Wednesday strongly criticised organised cybercrime syndicates involved in digital arrest scams, observing that those responsible for extorting money from unsuspecting victims must be dealt with firmly and punished to the fullest extent permitted by law.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana made the observations while hearing a petition seeking the consolidation of multiple FIRs registered across the country in connection with an alleged digital arrest extortion racket.
Describing the crime as more serious than conventional extortion, the Chief Justice said such offences amounted to “digital dacoity”, as perpetrators use video calls and impersonation to intimidate victims and extract money.
The CJI stressed that the authorities must adopt the strictest approach available under the law against individuals involved in such organised frauds. He also observed that if the law permits punishment before trial in appropriate circumstances, that possibility should be considered.
The petitioners had sought the consolidation of criminal investigations registered in different States, contending that parallel probes could prejudice their interests.
Their counsel submitted that the petitioners’ company bank account had allegedly been used as a mule account to route proceeds of cybercrime. He also claimed that a complaint had been lodged with the authorities in Jammu and Kashmir after the alleged fraud came to light.
The counsel further argued that the Mandir Marg Cyber Police in Delhi was already investigating the receipt and layering of funds linked to the transactions, making separate investigations elsewhere unnecessary.
The Bench, however, declined to entertain the plea, observing that the convenience of the accused could not take precedence over the interests of victims or impede investigations being conducted by different State police forces.
Justice Bagchi questioned whether victims from across the country should be required to pursue their cases in Delhi merely because the accused sought consolidation of the proceedings. He emphasised that investigations should ordinarily be conducted where the victims had suffered the alleged offences.
The Court also cautioned the petitioners against using the plea to obstruct investigations into what was described as organised criminal activity.
During the hearing, the CJI underscored the severity of scams in which fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officers or other government officials to threaten individuals with arrest and coerce them into transferring money.
The Bench expressed particular concern over the targeting of elderly citizens and retired persons, who are often subjected to psychological pressure through video calls and fabricated claims of criminal proceedings.
The Court’s remarks highlighted the need for stringent action against cybercriminal networks that exploit fear of law enforcement to carry out financial fraud.
Digital arrest scams typically involve perpetrators posing as police officers, officials of central investigative agencies or judicial authorities. Victims are falsely told that they are implicated in criminal cases and are pressured into transferring money under the pretext of verification, security deposits or avoiding arrest.
Following the Court’s observations, the petitioners chose to withdraw their plea seeking consolidation of the FIRs.
The Court did not grant the requested relief, leaving the separate investigations to proceed in accordance with law.
The proceedings form part of the Supreme Court’s wider efforts to address the growing incidence of digital arrest frauds and improve coordination among investigating agencies. The Court has previously examined the use of forged judicial documents and impersonation of public authorities to defraud victims.
The latest hearing reinforces the judiciary’s concern that such offences cannot be treated as routine cases of cheating when they involve organised networks operating across State boundaries and targeting vulnerable individuals.
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