Berhampur-Cyber Police arrest fake Crime Branch Police for Sextortion and Digital Fraud
News, Odishabarta
BERHAMPUR,( 20/01,2026):Berhampur Cyber Police Experts have arrested a youth in connection with a case of digital arrest and sextortion, in which a woman was threatened and extorted of money by impersonating as a Crime Branch Police Officer.
The accused has been identified as Chandan Kumar Jena, a resident of Rautra village in Balasore district.,Odisha.
According to reports, the accused contacted the victim through a WhatsApp call on December 31, 2025, introducing himself as an officer from the Crime Branch. He falsely claimed that the victim’s nude photographs were being circulated on various pornographic websites and social media platforms,
To intimidate the victim, the accused threatened her with immediate arrest and warned that her “nude photos would be made viral” if she failed to comply. He further coerced her into participating in a nude video call and demanded a “settlement fee” to close the alleged case.
Out of fear, the victim transferred Rs70,000 to the accused’ Bank account. The fraudster further coerced the victim into making a nude video call and attempted to extort additional Rs.2 Lakhs through Blackmail.
The police release reveal that the entire Investigation and Accused arrested; On January, 07, 2026, a female victim from Berhampur lodged a complaint at the CC & EO Police Station that a scammer had called her through a Whatsapp number on 31.12.2025 claiming himself as a Police Officer of Crime Branch and stated that her nude pictures were on circulation in different porn-sites and social media and informed her that a case is being registered at Crime Branch. He threatened that the female would be immediately arrested unless she would pay a “settlement fee.”
Police have seized digital evidence and are investigating whether the accused is involved in similar cases targeting other victims.
CCr PS Case No. 03 dated 07.01.2026 U/S 308/351/77/79/ 294(2)(e) of BNS/ R/W Sec 66(E)/67(A) of IT Act.(Turned to Sec.318(4)/319(2) /336(3) /340(2) /308(5) /351(2) /77/79/294(2)(a) BNS/66( E )/67(A ) I.T.Act)
Investigation & Arrest of the accused:The CC & EO team initiated a technical investigation and successfully identified the accused. On January 20, 2026, police team apprehended the accused and produced him before the court.
Further investigation is underway.
Advisory to the General public: By Berhampur Police
In light of recent arrests involving the misuse of social media the Berhampur Police urges citizens to follow essential safety guidelines to secure their digital lives:
1. If any unknown person calls saying a case is registered against you — simply HANG UP.
2. Never accept video calls from unknown numbers.
3. If someone threatens to leak your photos—DO NOT PAY. Payment leads to more threats.
4. Report Cyber Crimes immediately:
5. Call 1930 (National Cybercrime Helpline)
6. Visit: www.cybercrime.gov.in
