Nationwide CBI Crackdown

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched a nationwide crackdown on digital arrest scams. The agency conducted searches at 89 locations across 20 states under Operation Chakra-VI.
The operation targeted cybercrime networks linked to three major digital arrest cases. The cases involved fraud worth around ₹42.36 crore. The CBI also arrested three people accused of handling and moving the stolen money.
The crackdown comes as digital arrest scams continue to target people across India. In these scams, criminals often pose as police officers or government officials. They then threaten victims with fake criminal cases and force them to transfer money.

Three Digital Arrest Cases

The CBI investigated three major cases as part of the operation. Victims in these cases reportedly faced digital confinement for periods ranging from one to three months.
One case involved a victim linked to BITS Pilani. Fraudsters allegedly posed as police officers and kept the victim under digital arrest for three months. They reportedly cheated the victim of ₹7.67 crore.
In another case from Gujarat, scammers allegedly kept a victim under digital arrest for three months. The victim lost around ₹19.24 crore during the fraud.
The third case involved a victim in Karnataka. Fraudsters allegedly held the victim under digital arrest for about one month and took ₹15.45 crore.

Searches Across 20 States

The CBI carried out coordinated searches at 89 locations across the country. Investigators focused on tracking the movement of fraud money and identifying people who helped the cybercrime networks.
The agency examined bank accounts and online account access data during the investigation. CBI teams also collected banking documents, account records and digital devices from the searched locations.
Investigators are now examining the seized material through forensic methods. The evidence could help the agency identify other people connected to the wider cybercrime network.

Three Arrests

The CBI arrested three people during the operation. Investigators said the accused helped receive, layer and transfer the fraud proceeds.

One accused from Haryana allegedly received ₹1.95 crore in a bank account. Investigators said the money moved to other accounts on the same day.

Another accused from Kolkata allegedly received around ₹1.5 crore in a firm’s account.

The CBI also arrested a woman. Investigators said her account received part of the fraud proceeds. She allegedly withdrew some of the money in cash and transferred the remaining amount to other accounts.

CBI Tracks Wider Cybercrime Network

The CBI is continuing its investigation to identify other people linked to the suspected network. Investigators are examining financial records and digital evidence to understand how the criminals moved the stolen funds.
The agency has also focused on the wider network behind digital arrest scams. These groups often use fake identities and threats to pressure victims into transferring large amounts of money.
The Supreme Court has directed the CBI to take coordinated action against perpetrators and networks involved in digital arrest-related crimes. The latest operation forms part of the agency’s broader efforts to tackle organised cybercrime.

What Are Digital Arrest Scams?

A digital arrest scam usually begins with a phone or video call from someone pretending to be a police officer or government official.
The scammer may accuse the victim of involvement in a fake crime. They then create fear by threatening arrest, account freezing or legal action.
The fraudsters may keep the victim on video calls for hours or even days. They use this pressure to stop the victim from contacting family members or authorities.
Law-enforcement agencies have repeatedly warned people that no genuine police or government officer can place someone under “digital arrest” through a video call.

Investigation Continues

The CBI’s latest action shows the scale of the challenge created by organised digital arrest scams. The agency is now examining the seized financial and digital evidence to trace more members of the suspected networks.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further arrests may follow as investigators uncover additional links.