From Gujarat To Nepal: Ahmedabad Cops Bust $200K Cross-Border ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam | Cryptocurrency News

Last Updated:July 08, 2025, 14:57 IST

Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Branch busted a $200k cross-border scam in South and Southeast Asia.

Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Branch has busted a $200k cross-border scam targeting victims across South and Southeast Asia with the help of Binance. The scam, which was part of a growing trend of “digital arrest” frauds, included impersonating law enforcement personnel in order to extort funds using crypto.

One of the most alarming cases involved a 90-year-old man in Gujarat who lost Rs 1.25 crore (approx. USD 149,700) after being coerced into transferring funds under fabricated legal charges. In a parallel case, a young jobseeker from India was lured to Nepal under false pretenses, held against his will, and forced to launder nearly Rs 49 lakh (approx. USD 58,680).

Digital arrest refers to a state where individuals feel mentally or socially trapped by excessive dependence on digital devices, platforms, or the internet. It’s not a legal term but a modern phenomenon where one’s freedom, focus, and real-world interactions are restricted due to constant engagement with screens — whether through social media, work apps, or online entertainment. Over time, it can lead to reduced attention span, emotional fatigue, and a disconnection from the physical world. These cases highlight a growing pattern and trend of cybercriminals attempting to use digital assets to transfer illicit funds across borders.

Senior Investigator, Cyber Crime Branch, Ahmedabad City Police said: “This case highlights the growing sophistication of cyber scams and the need for cross-border cooperation. With timely support from Binance’s FIU team, we were able to trace the crypto trail, identify key suspects, and move quickly on arrests. Our goal is to dismantle this criminal network at its roots and to protect not just the known victims, but also the many others who may be targeted next. We hope to continue working with partners like Binance, whose support is crucial in staying one step ahead of these evolving threats.”

Binance’s FIU team helped law enforcement requests, identifying wallets involved in laundering activities and helping local authorities build actionable leads. In both cases, suspects have been apprehended, with further investigations ongoing.

The “digital arrest” scam is gaining hold in the region, with scammers using fear tactics to push and coerce victims into transferring money often through rented accounts and crypto wallets to conceal their identity.

Varun Yadav

Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst…Read More

Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst… Read More

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