New Delhi: In a significant operation against cybercrime networks facilitating “digital arrest” scams, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), under Operation Chakra-VI, formed 60 special teams and executed coordinated searches at over 80 locations across 16 states.
The searches took place in Punjab, Gujarat, Delhi, Maharashtra, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Assam, West Bengal, Manipur, Karnataka, and Odisha, as part of an ongoing investigation aimed at dismantling an organized network involved in more than 200 cases of digital arrest fraud.
During the operation, the CBI apprehended two individuals from Chennai and Kolkata for their alleged roles in establishing shell companies and managing mule bank accounts. These accounts were reportedly utilized to launder approximately Rs 2 crore of suspected criminal proceeds.
On Thursday, officials reported that the agency recently uncovered a fraudulent website with a URL deceptively resembling the official site of the Supreme Court of India. Fraudsters allegedly exploited this fake domain to mislead victims by creating a false impression of legal authority through digital arrest threats.
Following a complaint from the Supreme Court Registry, the CBI registered an FIR and commenced a detailed investigation into the issue.
Using advanced forensic tools and technical analysis, investigators identified crucial elements of the cybercriminal infrastructure, which was discovered to be operating both domestically and internationally. The investigation revealed that the accused were uploading forged documents, including fake court orders and documents mimicking those issued by law enforcement agencies, to lend credibility to their fraudulent schemes.
During the searches, officials recovered various incriminating materials, such as digital devices, mobile phones, and bank transaction records. These items have been seized and are currently undergoing forensic examination.
The investigation has also suggested that, in addition to Indian citizens, individuals from several other countries may have been targeted and defrauded by the same network. Relevant information is being shared with international law enforcement agencies through appropriate channels.
Officials stated that the investigation is ongoing, and further arrests cannot be excluded as additional links in the network are being uncovered.
