Assistant Professor Arrested for Aiding Cyber Fraudsters in 'Digital Arrest' Scam

An assistant professor from an engineering college in Kodambakkam has been arrested for his alleged involvement in a massive cyber fraud operation known as a 'digital arrest' scam. The accused, P. Parasuraman, 35, is suspected of assisting cybercriminals in laundering money and concealing assets linked to the scam.

The fraud, which targeted a high-profile victim, and involved criminals impersonating officials from the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The fraudsters falsely accused the victim of money laundering, claiming his Aadhaar card had been misused for illicit transactions. To make the scam appear legitimate, they fabricated an official-looking arrest warrant and conducted an online interrogation, during which they coerced the victim into transferring funds to a so-called 'supervision account.' Believing that this was a necessary step to clear his name, the victim transferred a staggering Rs. 3.8 crore. It was only after completing the transaction that he realized he had been deceived and subsequently lodged a police complaint.

Law enforcement agencies launched an extensive investigation and have so far arrested five individuals connected to the scam. Parasuraman is the latest to be taken into custody. According to an official police statement, he played a significant role in concealing properties obtained through fraudulent means. These assets were reportedly acquired via multiple delivery applications and were linked to individuals previously arrested in connection with the case.

Further inquiries revealed that Parasuraman had been engaged in suspicious financial activities for nearly two years. He was allegedly responsible for managing illicit transactions and handling fraudulent bank accounts. In return for his assistance, he received a substantial commission, police sources confirmed.

The authorities are now investigating whether Parasuraman had connections with other cybercriminal networks. Officials have urged the public to remain vigilant against such scams, advising them to verify any communication claiming to be from law enforcement agencies before taking action.

With the rise in digital fraud cases, police are intensifying their crackdown on cybercriminal networks. More arrests are expected as the investigation continues.