A Goa woman’s complaint over a so-called digital arrest has helped the Enforcement Directorate (ED) uncover a suspected money laundering network spanning 20 states and union territories. Between May 21 and June 2, 2025, the woman allegedly remained on a video call with fraudsters posing as investigators. She was told she was under criminal investigation and transferred Rs 2.6 crore to accounts described as “Secret Supervision Accounts”.
The ED traced the money through hundreds of bank accounts, cash withdrawals and payment gateways. Investigators said the funds were eventually linked to commodity trading, travel and foreign exchange companies. According to the agency, these entities handled banking transactions worth more than Rs 27,850 crore. They also deposited nearly Rs 2,904 crore in cash, including Rs 584.70 crore through Bulk Note Acceptance Machines. The investigation identified 330 victims across 20 states and union territories, with reported losses of Rs 417.49 crore. The ED said 163 FIRs were connected to the network.
The ED searched premises in Mumbai and Goa in July and August 2026. Officers seized Rs 3.25 crore in cash and froze bank accounts containing more than Rs 30 crore. On August 23, the agency arrested Fahim Moin Hussain Sayed and Naim Mueen Sayyed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Both were remanded to ED custody until August 29.
Authorities have warned that no Indian law enforcement agency conducts a “digital arrest” or asks people to transfer money for verification.
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