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Introduction The Supreme Court of India has expressed grave concern over large-scale cyber frauds, describing the siphoning of more than ₹54,000 crore through digital fraud as nothing short of “robbery or dacoity.” In a significant intervention, the Court has directed the Union Government and regulatory authorities to frame a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) to tackle cyber-enabled financial crimes, particularly the emerging menace of ‘digital arrest’ frauds.

Introduction The Supreme Court of India has expressed serious concern over the alarming rise of so-called “digital arrest” frauds, particularly highlighting how even highly educated and experienced senior citizens are falling prey to sophisticated cyber scams. The court’s observations came while issuing notice on a petition filed by a 78-year-old former banker who lost more than ₹23 crore after being impersonated and coerced by fraudsters posing as law enforcement officials. The case underscores systemic vulnerabilities in banking safeguards, cybercrime response mechanisms, and public awareness, prompting the apex court to intensify its scrutiny of institutional accountability. Background of the Case The observations arose from a petition filed by Naresh Malhotra , a 78-year-old former banker, who was allegedly defrauded in September last year in what is being described as the largest reported “digital arrest” fraud in India so far , involving losses exceeding ₹23 crore. Malhotra claim...