SP Oswal digital arrest case: ED raids 11 locations, recovers Rs 5.4 crore; 1 arrested for targeting Ludhiana tycoon

According to the ED, Rs 5.24 crore of the defrauded amount has been recovered, while the remainder was diverted into multiple mule accounts controlled by intermediaries, including labourers and delivery personnel

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at 11 locations across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Assam in connection with an anti-money laundering investigation into a digital arrest scam that targeted noted Ludhiana-based industrialist S P Oswal, causing him a loss of over Rs 7 crore.

The searches were carried out on Monday under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, led to the seizure of several incriminating documents and digital devices, officials said.

Oswal, a prominent industrialist, was allegedly defrauded by a group of criminals who impersonated Central Bureau of Investigation officers and used forged judicial documents to coerce him into transferring funds.

According to the ED, Rs 5.24 crore of the defrauded amount has been recovered, while the remainder was diverted into multiple mule accounts controlled by intermediaries, including labourers and delivery personnel.

As part of the probe, the ED arrested Rumi Kalita from Assam, who is alleged to have provided her bank account to facilitate the transfer of funds. Evidence collected during the searches suggests her involvement in the layering and diversion of the proceeds. Kalita has been placed in ED custody until January 2, 2026.

The agency's investigation is based on 10 FIRs filed by various police authorities relating to cybercrime and digital arrest scams linked to the same criminal network. Earlier searches in the case, conducted on January 31, had also resulted in the recovery of key documents and digital evidence.

The ED continues to probe the network of accounts and individuals involved in the scam, aimed at recovering the remaining defrauded amounts and bringing those responsible to justice.