Trader dupes trader of 3 cr with digi-arrest

Kolkata: A young trader from central Kolkata, who provided SIM cards and routers to Odisha-based cyber fraudsters, even helping them choose possible "targets", was arrested for allegedly duping a retired businessman from north Kolkata of Rs 3 crore over a span of 13 days in Oct last year in what is now widely known as digital arrest fraud. Cops said that two persons from Odisha were also arrested."The arrested accused has been identified as Md Amjad (38), a trader operating from central Kolkata's Marquis Street," said Rupesh Kumar, Joint CP (Crime & Traffic). Cops denied that the accused knew the businessman "personally".Investigators alleged Amjad arranged SIM cards, routers and SIM-box infrastructure used to route calls and mask identities, and also assisted the Odisha-based operators by facilitating connectivity and selecting potential targets.Investigators said the arrests and seizures were made following technical analysis and cyber laboratory examination of digital trails, including SIM usage patterns, device mapping and network equipment.According to the complaint, the victim, a retired businessman from north Kolkata, was contacted on Oct 5, 2025, by callers who allegedly posed as officials to intimidate him into transferring money.The accused allegedly sent forged documents bearing logos of the CBI, ED, RBI and even the Supreme Court, and demanded transfers for "fund verification" to avoid arrest. Under fear, the complainant allegedly transferred a total of Rs 3 crore to multiple bank accounts over 13 days, police said.Police said Amjad was arrested on Feb 15, 2026, around 4.10 pm from the Park Street area, with the place of arrest shown as Marquis Street. During searches, police said they recovered a 236-slot SIM box, routers, a laptop and other networking items.