Posing As Crime Branch Officers, Duo Extorts Rs 52.59 Lakh From Pune Man In “Digital Arrest” Scam; Investigation Underway
Pimpri, 10th June 2025: Cyber police in Pimpri-Chinchwad have arrested two individuals for allegedly extorting ₹52.59 lakh from a man by threatening him with a “digital arrest.” The accused, identified as Akash Babasaheb Pathare (28) and Avinash Shrikant Tungar, both residents of Bolhegaon in Ahilyanagar, posed as officials from the Mumbai Crime Branch to carry out the fraud.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police Sandeep Doiphode, the victim, a resident of Moshi, received a phone call from an unknown number. The caller introduced himself as a crime branch officer and falsely claimed that two of the victim’s bank accounts had received money linked to a financial fraud investigation.
Under the pretext of launching legal action, the accused threatened the man with imminent arrest, coercing him into transferring a total of ₹52.59 lakh to various accounts. A formal complaint was lodged at the Cyber Police Station after the incident.
A technical investigation led the cyber police to the Ahilyanagar area, where Akash Pathare was first detained. Further inquiry resulted in the arrest of his accomplice, Avinash Tungar. Police have confirmed that more suspects involved in the scam are currently absconding.
Authorities have warned the public to remain vigilant against such impersonation and cyber frauds, which continue to rise despite regular advisories. The investigation into this case is currently underway.
