Fake Crime Branch Gang Busted in Indore After Cryptocurrency Extortion Scheme

The three accused men who posed as crime branch officials in Indore

Bhopal:

In Madhya Pradesh's Indore, a group of imposters operating as a fake crime branch was apprehended by legitimate crime branch officials this week after conducting a sophisticated robbery scheme reminiscent of cinematic heists.

Three individuals, falsely identifying themselves as Crime Branch officers, invaded a man's residence, physically assaulted him, abducted both him and his father, and coerced the victim into transferring cryptocurrency valued at over Rs 5 lakh, all while maintaining the pretense of conducting an official investigation.

According to Sneh Parmar, a Dwarikapuri resident who filed the complaint, the incident occurred on October 9, between 6 and 7 pm at his home in Gandhi Chowk.

Parmar reported to authorities that three men—identified as Deepak Tiwari, Neeraj Tiwari, and Aman Lakhia—forcefully entered his residence, presenting themselves as Crime Branch officers.

The gang accused him of fraudulent activities, claiming a case had been registered against him. When Parmar attempted to object, the imposters allegedly attacked him and forcibly removed both him and his father into a vehicle.

They were driven to the Lasudia area, where they endured further beatings and threats of imprisonment unless they complied with demands.

Under duress and fear, Parmar was compelled to transfer 5773 USDT, approximately Rs 5.12 lakh, from his trading account to a digital wallet controlled by the perpetrators.

Before departing, the suspects demanded additional money to "resolve the issue discreetly," warning Parmar against reporting the incident to police.

The following day, Parmar approached the authentic Crime Branch and submitted a detailed report.

Acting promptly under Police Commissioner Santosh Kumar Singh's guidance, a team from the Indore Crime Branch initiated an investigation.

Technical analysis and financial tracking led investigators directly to the suspects. Within days, all three accused were identified and detained: Deepak Tiwari and Neeraj Tiwari from Lahiya Colony, Hiranagar, and Aman Lakhia from Scheme No. 54.

One accomplice remains at large.

During questioning, the accused admitted to the crime and disclosed they had been observing the complainant for several days, knowing he was generating substantial profits through online trading.

According to police, their scheme was carefully planned, from counterfeit police identification to mimicking the intimidating demeanor of authentic officers.

Investigators noted the gang replicated tactics they had observed in crime movies and web series.

Further investigation revealed that Deepak Tiwari and Neeraj Tiwari are repeat offenders, each with approximately 15 prior criminal cases registered against them in Indore.

The gang members reportedly work as property brokers and mobile phone repair technicians, with educational backgrounds limited to 10th and 12th grade. Their unassuming backgrounds combined with sophisticated extortion methods have surprised investigators.

The Crime Branch has filed charges under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The suspects' financial accounts have been frozen and digital evidence secured.

Senior officials suspect the gang may be connected to a broader criminal network operating in Indore and surrounding districts, targeting individuals involved in cryptocurrency trading and online investment activities.