CBI Raids 80 Locations Across 16 States in Major Digital Arrest Scam Crackdown

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched one of its largest coordinated operations against cybercrime networks involved in digital arrest scams, carrying out searches at more than 80 locations across 16 states under Operation Chakra-VI.

The operation is aimed at dismantling the infrastructure that enables fraudsters to impersonate law enforcement agencies, courts and government officials in order to extort money from victims through fear and intimidation.

According to the agency, “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 and arrested two persons from Chennai and Kolkata for their alleged involvement in the incorporation of shell companies and the opening and operation of mule bank accounts.”

Why Did the CBI Conduct Searches Across 16 States?

To target the scale of the network, the CBI formed 60 special teams and simultaneously conducted raids across Punjab, Gujarat, Delhi, Maharashtra, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Assam, West Bengal, Manipur, Karnataka and Odisha.

Investigators believe the network operated through a complex web of shell companies, bank accounts and digital infrastructure that allowed scammers to move and conceal illicit funds while targeting victims across multiple jurisdictions.

The nationwide action reflects growing concerns over the rapid rise of cyber-enabled financial frauds in India.

What Are Digital Arrest Scams?

Digital arrest scams typically involve fraudsters posing as police officers, CBI officials, customs authorities, judges or other government representatives. Victims are falsely informed that they are under investigation for serious crimes such as money laundering, narcotics trafficking or financial fraud.

The scammers often use forged documents, fake warrants and fabricated legal notices to convince victims that they face imminent arrest unless they comply with instructions, which usually involve transferring money to designated bank accounts for so-called verification or investigation purposes.

In many cases, victims are kept on video calls for hours and psychologically pressured into making payments.

How Were Shell Companies and Mule Accounts Used?

The CBI has alleged that the two arrested individuals from Chennai and Kolkata played a role in establishing shell companies and operating mule bank accounts that helped channel and launder proceeds generated through the scams.

Investigators estimate that these accounts were used to process nearly Rs 2 crore in suspected criminal proceeds.

Mule accounts are bank accounts opened or controlled on behalf of others and are frequently used by cybercriminals to move stolen funds while masking the identity of the ultimate beneficiaries.

The Fake Supreme Court Website Discovery

One of the most significant findings in the investigation was the discovery of a fraudulent website designed to resemble the official website of the Supreme Court of India.

According to investigators, cybercriminals allegedly used a deceptively similar web domain to convince victims that legal proceedings were underway against them.

The case came to light after a complaint was received from the Registry of the Supreme Court of India, prompting the CBI to register an FIR and launch an investigation.

The use of a fake judicial platform highlights how scammers are increasingly exploiting public trust in institutions to make their schemes appear legitimate.

How Did Investigators Track the Network?

The CBI said it relied on advanced forensic tools and technical expertise to identify key components of the criminal infrastructure operating both within India and overseas.

Investigators uncovered evidence suggesting that the network uploaded forged and fabricated documents, including fake court orders and documents resembling those issued by law enforcement agencies.

These materials were allegedly used to lend credibility to threats made against victims and to persuade them to transfer money.

What Was Seized During the Searches?

During the nationwide searches, investigators recovered several incriminating documents, digital devices, mobile phones and banking records.

The seized material is now being subjected to forensic examination and analysis to identify additional suspects, trace financial transactions and establish the full extent of the network’s operations.

Authorities believe the evidence could help uncover further links between individuals involved in creating fraudulent identities, operating bank accounts and facilitating international money flows.

Were Foreign Nationals Also Targeted?

According to the investigation, the scam network may have targeted not only Indian citizens but also individuals in several other countries.

The CBI said evidence points to victims outside India being defrauded through the same infrastructure.

As a result, relevant law enforcement agencies in affected jurisdictions are being informed through appropriate international channels, potentially expanding the investigation beyond India's borders.

Why This Crackdown Matters

Digital arrest scams have emerged as one of the fastest-growing forms of cyber fraud, causing significant financial losses and emotional distress to victims.

The scale of Operation Chakra-VI demonstrates the increasing sophistication of these networks and the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in tracking cybercriminals who operate across states and international boundaries.

As investigations continue, authorities hope the operation will disrupt the infrastructure that enables such frauds and prevent future victims from being targeted.

"CBI remains committed to dismantling cybercrime infrastructure and ensuring justice for victims of cyber-enabled frauds, including digital arrest scams," the release said.

(With inputs from ANI)