What happened
The Hindustan Times and India Today reported on 11 November 2026 that Jhalawar Police in Rajasthan arrested six people from Bihar and detained three minors over an alleged interstate extortion and "digital arrest" syndicate. Police say the gang operated under the name "RJGYANI old coin company", luring people on social media with promises of buying rare coins at inflated prices, collecting registration fees and then escalating demands. Police allege the gang then used threats, forged documents including a fake Delhi Police letterhead, doctored photos, fake hospital bills and AI-generated violent videos sent over WhatsApp to extort a woman who later died by suicide. The arrested are named by police as alleged mastermind Ajit Yadav, Aarti Kumari Bhagat, Manju Devi, Satish Kumar Ugna, Ranju Devi and Khushbu Yadav, from Saharsa, Madhepura and Khagaria districts of Bihar. Police say money flowed into mule accounts flagged on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and are seeking other gang members.
How the scam works
Collectibles fraud of this kind often starts with an offer to buy old coins, notes or antiques at a high price. After the seller is hooked, the group may demand fees, deposits or documents, and in some cases switches to threats or a fake 'digital arrest'. According to Hindustan Times, Rajasthan police say the 'RJGYANI old coin company' lure was followed by extortion, and that six people, including four women, were arrested. They are accused, and the allegations are unproven.
Do not pay a fee to complete a coin or antiques sale, and hang up if a caller claims to be police or a court official and tells you to transfer money or stay on the line. Verify any claimed police contact by calling the official number yourself.
Source
Hindustan Times, 11 November 2026: https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/rajasthan-police-bust-interstate-extortion-digital-arrest-gang-4-women-among-6-held-101794404618100.html
