<h1>Investigation into Rs 4.5 crore international 'digital arrest' fraud: searches at 40 sites, 40 suspects, mule networks</h1> A central investigative agency conducted searches at 40 locations across multiple states after registering an FIR based on complaints from nine victims alleging Rs 4.5 crore lost to international 'digital arrest' fraud. The probe analysed over 15,000 IP addresses, mule accounts and telecom channels, identifying about 40 alleged cybercriminals and an extensive domestic facilitation network supplying mule bank accounts and parallel hawala channels. Investigators say portions of the proceeds were withdrawn domestically while others were sent abroad (including Cambodia), with high-speed transfers via fintech. Seized devices, KYC documents, SIMs and messaging archives are being examined to trace links, money flows and the modus operandi.