ED Arrests Key Accused in Digital Arrest Money Laundering Case Linked to S.P. Oswal.

Headnote:

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Jalandhar Zonal Office conducted a search operation on 31 December 2025 at the premises of Arpit Rathore, leading to his arrest in connection with a money laundering investigation arising out of a high-value Digital Arrest cyber fraud case involving Shri S.P. Oswal. The probe is being carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA). The search resulted in seizure of incriminating records, digital devices, and unexplained cash of ₹14 lakh.

Background of Investigation:

• ED initiated investigation on the basis of an FIR registered by the Cyber Crime Police Station, Ludhiana under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.

• Nine additional FIRs relating to cybercrime and digital arrest frauds involving the same group were subsequently included in the investigation.

Modus Operandi and Findings

• ED investigation revealed that fraudsters impersonating officers of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) digitally arrested Shri S.P. Oswal and extorted ₹7 crore from him.

• The same group defrauded an additional ₹1.73 crore from other victims through digital arrest and cyber fraud scams.

• The illicit funds were routed through multiple mule bank accounts operated by accused Rumi Kalita and Arpit Rathore.

• Rumi Kalita, a resident of Guwahati, and Arpit Rathore, from Kanpur, were found to be actively involved in laundering the Proceeds of Crime (PoC).

Use of Shell Entities and Mule Accounts

• Rumi Kalita established an association with Atanu Choudary and used bank accounts of entities namely:

– M/s Frozenman Warehousing and Logistics

– Rigglo Ventures Pvt. Ltd.

• Funds from nine digital arrest cases were deposited into the accounts of Frozenman Warehousing and Logistics, while proceeds from two cases were deposited into the account of Rigglo Ventures Pvt. Ltd.

• These funds were subsequently diverted to more than 200 mule bank accounts, enabling large-scale laundering.

• Arpit Rathore played a key role by instructing Rumi Kalita on fund transfers after victims deposited money.

Role of Arpit Rathore and International Links

• Arpit Rathore was found to be a central operative not only in the digital arrest of Shri S.P. Oswal but also in several other cyber fraud cases targeting innocent victims.

• He maintained contacts with foreign associates, facilitating cybercrime operations by providing mule accounts and enabling transfer of illicit proceeds to foreign jurisdictions.

• In return, he received compensation from foreign nationals and shared mule account details to assist in moving cybercrime proceeds abroad.

• Investigation further revealed that Arpit Rathore received his share of criminal proceeds in USDT cryptocurrency as well as Indian currency.

Arrests and Custody

• Earlier searches were conducted on 22 December 2025.

• Accused Rumi Kalita was arrested on 23 December 2025 and is presently under ED custody.

• Following his arrest, Arpit Rathore was produced before the Hon’ble ACJM, Kanpur, which granted two days’ transit remand.

• He was subsequently produced before the Hon’ble Special Court, Jalandhar, which granted ED custody for five days up to 05 January 2026.

Legal Provisions Involved:

• Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA)

• Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS)

Status

• Further investigation is under progress.