The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted a massive crackdown on digital arrest scam operations, constituting 60 special teams and conducting coordinated searches at more than 80 locations across 16 states on Thursday. According to CBI reports, the operation, codenamed Operation Chakra-VI, targeted cybercrime infrastructure facilitating digital arrest scams across Punjab, Gujarat, Delhi, Maharashtra, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Assam, West Bengal, Manipur, Karnataka and Odisha. As reported by CBI sources, the searches were carried out at multiple locations in Delhi, Maharashtra, Punjab, Gujarat, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Assam, West Bengal, Manipur, Karnataka and Odisha. The operation was part of an ongoing investigation aimed at dismantling a targeted operational network involved in over 200 cases of digital arrest scams. The CBI stated that the analysis of seized electronic devices, documents, and financial records is continuing and that further arrests or legal action may follow depending on the evidence uncovered.
The CBI investigation has uncovered a sophisticated network involved in over 200 cases of digital arrest scams, with authorities arresting two persons from Chennai and Kolkata for their alleged involvement. The arrested individuals have been identified as B Naresh from Chennai and Sanjib Saha, a resident of Kolkata. As reported by CBI sources, these individuals were allegedly involved in the incorporation of shell companies and the opening and operation of mule bank accounts used for laundering approximately ₹2 crores of suspected proceeds of crime. The agency has clarified that there is no concept of 'digital arrest' in India, with such tactics being common extortion methods used by cybercriminals posing as police or enforcement agencies. Preliminary findings suggest that approximately ₹2 crore in suspected proceeds of crime was routed through these accounts as part of an alleged money laundering network.
The CBI recently unearthed a fraudulent website bearing a URL deceptively similar to the official website of the Supreme Court of India, which was used to deceive victims under the guise of digital arrest. According to CBI reports, based on a complaint received from the Registry of the Supreme Court of India, the agency registered an FIR and commenced investigation into the matter. Investigation has revealed that perpetrators uploaded forged and fabricated documents, including fake orders resembling those issued by courts and various law enforcement agencies, to lend credibility to their fraudulent activities. During the investigation, it came to light that the accused were uploading forged and fabricated documents, such as fake court orders and documents resembling those issued by law enforcement agencies. Leveraging advanced forensic tools and technical expertise, the CBI identified critical elements of the criminal infrastructure operating both within India and abroad.
During the searches, CBI teams seized several incriminating documents, digital devices, mobile phones and records relating to bank transactions, which are being subjected to detailed forensic examination and analysis. The CBI also found evidence indicating that in addition to Indian citizens, nationals of several other countries may have been defrauded by the same network. The concerned law enforcement agencies in those jurisdictions are being alerted through appropriate channels, with the case currently under investigation. Investigators are currently working to identify the complete structure of the network, trace the flow of funds, uncover beneficiaries, and establish links between the suspects and various cyber fraud cases under scrutiny. This international dimension highlights the global reach of digital arrest scam networks and the need for coordinated international cooperation in combating such cybercrimes.
