CBI Conducts Nationwide Raids in 16 States, Arrests Two in Digital Arrest Scam Crackdown

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched one of its largest nationwide operations against cyber-enabled fraud, conducting coordinated searches at more than 80 locations across 16 states in connection with over 200 digital arrest scam cases. The action, carried out under Operation Chakra-VI , led to the arrest of two alleged key operatives accused of helping launder fraud proceeds through shell companies and mule bank accounts .

Around 60 specialised CBI teams carried out searches across Punjab, Gujarat, Delhi, Maharashtra, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Assam, West Bengal, Manipur, Karnataka and Odisha. Investigators said the operation targeted an organised network that allegedly defrauded hundreds of victims through impersonation, intimidation and sophisticated cyber fraud techniques.

The arrested accused, B Naresh of Chennai and Sanjib Saha of Kolkata, allegedly facilitated the incorporation of shell companies and operation of mule bank accounts used to launder nearly Rs 2 crore in suspected crime proceeds. Digital devices, mobile phones, banking records and other incriminating materials were seized for forensic examination as investigators seek to identify additional members of the network.

The probe began after the registry of the Supreme Court of India complained about a fraudulent website carrying a URL deceptively similar to the official Supreme Court website. According to investigators, fraudsters uploaded forged court orders, warrants and documents resembling those issued by courts and law enforcement agencies to convince victims that they faced imminent arrest or prosecution, coercing them into transferring money.

Using advanced forensic tools, the CBI identified elements of a cybercrime infrastructure operating both within India and abroad. Investigators have found indications that nationals of several foreign countries may also have been targeted. Information is being shared with overseas law enforcement agencies, while officials said further arrests are likely as the probe expands.

The operation follows broader Supreme Court scrutiny of digital arrest frauds, which have emerged as a significant national cybercrime challenge. The latest crackdown is linked to more than 200 cases under investigation nationwide and follows earlier CBI action in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh that exposed similar networks using layered transactions, shell entities and mule accounts to route illicit funds.