CBI Launches Nationwide Operation Against Digital Arrest Scams
In a significant move to combat the infrastructure supporting Digital Arrest scams, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has undertaken a series of searches at over 80 locations nationwide in the last week, targeting more than 200 cases. So far, the agency has arrested two individuals: Naresh from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and Sanjib Saha from Kolkata, West Bengal.
As part of Operation Chakra-VI, the CBI organized 60 special teams to conduct coordinated searches across multiple states including Punjab, Gujarat, Delhi, Maharashtra, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Assam, West Bengal, Manipur, Karnataka, and Odisha.
“The searches were carried out as part of an ongoing investigation aimed at dismantling a targeted operational network involved in over 200 cases of digital arrest scams,”
the agency stated.
The arrested individuals are accused of setting up shell companies and managing mule bank accounts, which facilitated the laundering of approximately ₹2 crore in suspected criminal proceeds, according to the CBI.
Uncovering a Fraudulent Website
Recently, the investigative body discovered a fraudulent website mimicking the official URL of the Supreme Court. The scammers allegedly exploited this registered domain to mislead victims. Following a complaint from the Supreme Court Registry, the CBI initiated a case and commenced its investigation.
“Leveraging advanced forensic tools and technical expertise, the CBI identified critical elements of the criminal infrastructure operating both within India and abroad. Investigation has revealed that the perpetrators uploaded forged documents, including fake orders resembling those issued by courts and various law enforcement agencies, to lend credibility to their fraudulent activities,”
the central agency revealed.
During the operation, the CBI recovered numerous incriminating documents, digital devices, mobile phones, and bank transaction records. Evidence also suggests that several foreign nationals may have fallen victim to this same network, prompting the agency to notify relevant law enforcement authorities.
