Digital Arrest scams: CBI conducts searches at over 80 locations across India

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) last week searched more than 80 locations across the country in connection with more than 200 cases, as part of a major crackdown on cybercrime infrastructure that facilitates Digital Arrest scams. It has arrested two accused so far: Naresh from Chennai, Tamil Nadu and Sanjib Saha from Kolkata, West Bengal.

Under Operation Chakra-VI, the agency formed 60 special teams and carried out coordinated searches in 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 conducted as part of an ongoing investigation aimed at dismantling a targeted operational network involved in more than 200 cases of digital detention fraud,” the agency said.

It was learned that the arrested defendants were involved in the establishment of shell companies and the opening and operation of mule bank accounts. These accounts were used to launder suspected proceeds of crime of around ₹2 crore, CBI said.

fake website

Recently, the agency unearthed a fake website with a URL deceptively similar to the official website of the Supreme Court. Fraudsters allegedly use the registered domain name to defraud victims. The department registered the case and initiated an investigation upon the complaint received from the Supreme Court of Appeals Registry Directorate.

“Utilizing advanced forensic tools and technical expertise, the CBI identified critical elements of the criminal infrastructure operating both within India and abroad. The investigation revealed that the perpetrators uploaded fake documents, including fake orders similar to those issued by courts and various law enforcement agencies, to lend credibility to their fraudulent activities,” the central agency said.

During the searches, the CBI seized a large number of incriminating documents, digital devices, phones and records related to bank transactions. Evidence was found that multiple foreign nationals were also defrauded by the same network. The agency said law enforcement in relevant jurisdictions was alerted through appropriate channels.