SC: Treat Digital Arrests and Cyber Frauds as Organised Crime
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Supreme Court of India has directed that digital arrest and cyber fraud cases be treated as organised crime, invoking stringent laws like the Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organised Crime Act. This comes amid rising digital arrest scams targeting senior citizens, with the Court rejecting a bail plea in a case involving a Rs 76 lakh fraud.
Background
Digital arrest scams involve fraudsters impersonating police officers, using forged court orders, and placing victims under 'digital arrest' via video calls to extort money. The Supreme Court had earlier taken cognisance of such scams and asked the CBI to probe cases nationwide, activating an inter-departmental mechanism to curb the menace.
Key facts
Supreme Court equated digital arrest and cyber fraud with robbery and dacoity, calling for classification as organised crime.
Court asked Gujarat police why charges under Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organised Crime Act (2019) were not added.
Case involved fraudsters posing as Mumbai policemen, placing a complainant under digital arrest for two days via video calls.
Fraudsters used forged SC orders and arrest warrants sent via WhatsApp to coerce the victim into paying Rs 76 lakh.
Bench of CJI Surya Kant, Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana rejected bail plea of accused Mohamad (aka MD).
Court warned that if bail plea was pursued, it would add graver charges under organised crime law.
SC had earlier taken suo motu cognisance of digital arrest scams and directed CBI to investigate pan-India.
An inter-departmental mechanism involving multiple agencies has been activated to implement anti-scam measures.
Prelims pointers
- Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organised Crime Act, 2019
- Digital arrest: a form of cyber fraud where victims are coerced via video calls
- Supreme Court bench: CJI Surya Kant, Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana
- CBI: Central Bureau of Investigation
- Section 420 IPC (cheating) and other relevant cyber laws
Mains angles
- GS2: Role of judiciary in addressing cybercrime and protecting citizens' rights
- GS3: Cyber security challenges and organised crime in the digital age
- GS2: Government measures to curb cyber fraud and inter-agency coordination