Rs 29 Lakh Fraud, 2 Arrest, 1 On Run: Hyderabad Cops Crack Digital Scam

According to reports, five men were arrested for allegedly extorting Rs 29 lakh from a GST consultant in Greater Noida. The incident began when the consultant was intercepted near a housing society while driving his car with his dog. Three armed men, including one dressed in a police sub-inspector uniform, forced their way into the vehicle. Police said the suspects posed as GST and law enforcement officials, threatened the consultant with a fake e-way bill verification case, and forced him to drive around while demanding a large sum of money.

Investigators stated that the extortion demand was eventually negotiated down to Rs 29 lakh. The consultant's brother reportedly brought the cash to secure his release. The mastermind behind the plot had allegedly tracked the consultant since 2021 after learning about a genuine GST notice the victim had previously received. By exploiting this information, the group planned the abduction and financial extortion over several weeks.

Following a formal complaint and registration of an extortion case, local police utilized CCTV footage from toll plazas, electronic surveillance, and human intelligence to trace the suspects. Authorities apprehended five individuals near a temple road. During the operations, police recovered the entire extorted amount in cash and jewellery, alongside seizing vehicles, mobile phones, and fake uniforms used in the commission of the crime.

Not yet reported: The reports do not specify the exact court proceedings or charges under the penal code beyond a general case of extortion.