The court stressed the crime's gravity, especially targeting seniors, and called for tougher anti-organized crime regulations. Frauds have cost over ₹ 3,000 crore.

On Monday, the Supreme Court ruled digital arrest scam defendants seeking bail must show “extraordinary grounds” for release. The Supreme Court branded such frauds the "worst kind of crime" against people, especially seniors.

CJI Surya Kant, Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana noted this when denying a digital fraud defendant's bail petition. The accused said he had helped the primary suspect create a bank account and was in detention for almost a year.

The judges ruled that he was an accomplice in the crime and denied bail in digital arrest instances without exceptional circumstances, deeming it the worst type of crime.

The bench informed all HCs and trial courts that digital arrest frauds were among the most severe public offenses.

"Digital arrest scams are the worst kind of crime against people, especially senior citizens who have their life savings and hard-earned money stolen when they need it most," the bench stated.

Last Friday, the same bench ordered police and other investigative agencies must apply strict anti-organized crime law to digital arrest and cyber fraud cases, calling them "robbery and dacoity."

intensifies crackdown

The Supreme Court is constantly watching the surge in digital arrest frauds, especially those targeting seniors.

The Supreme Court focused on senior citizen digital disputes last year. It assigned the CBI to investigate cases across India and helped build a cross-departmental coordination structure among agencies. Fraudsters stole nearly ₹ 3,000 crore, as claimed by investigating authorities.