Digital arrest scams: CBI conducts searches at more than 80 locations across India

Image used to represent | Photo credit: Reuters

In a major crackdown on the cyber crime infrastructure that facilitates digital arrest scams, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has searched over 80 locations across the country in connection with over 200 cases over the past week. So far, it has arrested two accused – Naresh from Chennai in Tamil Nadu and Sanjib Saha from Kolkata in West Bengal.

Under Operation Chakra-VI, the agency formed 60 special teams and conducted 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 arrest fraud,” the agency said.

The arrested accused were involved in setting up shell companies and opening and operating mule bank accounts. These accounts were used to launder about ₹2 crore of suspected criminal proceeds, the CBI said.

Fraudulent website

Recently, the agency detected a fraudulent website with a URL deceptively similar to the official website of the Supreme Court. Fraudsters allegedly used a registered domain to scam victims. Based on the complaint received from the Supreme Court registry, the agency registered the case and started an investigation.

“Using advanced forensic tools and technical expertise, the CBI has identified critical elements of the criminal infrastructure operating in India and abroad. Investigation revealed that the perpetrators had uploaded forged documents, including fake warrants that resembled 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 several incriminating documents, digital devices, phones and records related to bank transactions. He found evidence suggesting that several foreign nationals may have been defrauded by the same network. Law enforcement authorities in relevant jurisdictions are being notified through appropriate channels, the agency said.

Published – 25 Jun 2026 11:19 IST