Mangaluru, Sept. 1 -- An interstate accused wanted in several cheating and extortion cases has been arrested by the Mangaluru Central Crime Branch (CCB) after allegedly evading arrest for about three years. The accused was reportedly involved in impersonating a national investigation agency official and cheating people by promising to settle financial and tax-related cases.

Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said the accused, Sam Peter alias Danny Tharakan alias Anthony, 64, was arrested in Kannur, Kerala, on Monday night, August 31. He is originally from Kollam and had reportedly shifted to Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh.

Investigators said Peter allegedly operated a gang that posed as officials of the National Crime Investigation Burea...