CBI Raids More Than 80 Locations Across 16 States And Detains Two In Digital Arrest Scam Case

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) assembled 60 special teams and carried out coordinated searches at more than 80 locations across 16 states as part of Operation Chakra-VI, in an effort to carry out a substantial crackdown on cybercrime networks that enable “digital arrest” scams.

As part of an ongoing investigation to eliminate an organised network involved in over 200 cases of digital arrest fraud, searches were conducted in Punjab, Gujarat, Delhi, Maharashtra, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Assam, West Bengal, Manipur, Karnataka, and Odisha.

Two people from Chennai and Kolkata were arrested by the CBI during the operation on suspicion of involvement in establishing shell corporations and opening and managing mule bank accounts. Additionally, approximately Rs 2 crore in suspected proceeds of crime were allegedly laundered through these accounts.

The initiative was put in place after the CBI registered an FIR and initiated a detailed investigation into the matter, based on a complaint received from the Registry of the Supreme Court.

The agency recently discovered a bogus website whose URL was strikingly similar to the Supreme Court of India’s official website, officials said on Thursday. Fraudsters allegedly created a false sense of legal authority under the pretence of issuing digital arrest threats, using a phoney domain to trick victims.

Key elements of the cybercriminal infrastructure, which were found to operate both domestically and internationally, were uncovered by investigators using sophisticated forensic tools and technical analysis. To validate their fraudulent actions, the investigation found that the accused were uploading bogus court orders and documents that appeared to have been issued by law enforcement.

Several incriminating items, including digital gadgets, cell phones, and bank transaction records, were found by officials during the investigation. These have been confiscated and are presently undergoing forensic analysis.

The research has also shown that the same network may have targeted and scammed people from a number of other nations in addition to Indian citizens. As per reports, International law enforcement agencies are receiving pertinent information proper routes.

According to officials, the investigation is still ongoing, and as new connections in the network are being found, more arrests cannot be ruled out.