India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has carried out coordinated raids at 80 locations across 16 states as part of a nationwide operation targeting a criminal network accused of orchestrating so-called “digital arrest” scams. Investigators say the fraud ring deceived hundreds of victims by impersonating police officers, judges and other government officials before coercing them into transferring large sums of money. The operation represents one of the country’s largest recent crackdowns on organised cyber fraud.
The investigation centres on a sophisticated scheme in which victims were contacted by phone or video call and falsely informed that they were under investigation for serious criminal offences. Fraudsters allegedly used forged legal documents and a fake website designed to resemble the official website of India’s Supreme Court to make the deception appear legitimate. Victims were then instructed to transfer money into bank accounts controlled by the criminal network.
The CBI said the coordinated searches were conducted under Operation Chakra-VI, a nationwide campaign aimed at dismantling organised cybercrime groups operating across state borders. Authorities believe the network is linked to more than 200 cyber fraud cases reported throughout India. Investigators seized digital devices, financial records and other evidence during the raids.
Officials say the suspects relied on psychological intimidation rather than technical hacking to extort money from victims. Many were falsely told they faced immediate arrest, money laundering charges or criminal prosecution unless they complied with instructions to transfer their savings into so-called “safe” government-controlled accounts. Authorities say no such legal procedure exists under Indian law.
The CBI has worked alongside state police forces and cybercrime investigators in multiple jurisdictions to identify the people responsible for operating the fraud network. Authorities believe the syndicate used numerous bank accounts, mobile phone numbers and digital payment channels to move stolen funds rapidly across different states. Investigators are continuing efforts to identify additional members of the organisation.
Digital arrest scams have become one of the fastest-growing forms of financial crime in India over the past two years. Criminal groups frequently impersonate agencies such as the CBI, local police, customs officials or the Reserve Bank of India to convince victims they are under official investigation. Law enforcement agencies say elderly people and first-time internet users are among the most common targets.
India’s cybercrime authorities have repeatedly warned that organised fraud networks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, combining fake government identities with forged documents, continuous video calls and coordinated money-laundering techniques. Officials say public awareness remains one of the most effective defences against such scams, alongside rapid reporting through the national cybercrime reporting system.
Investigators have not disclosed how many arrests have been made during the latest operation, saying further searches and forensic examinations remain under way. The CBI said the investigation is continuing and additional suspects could face criminal charges as officers analyse the evidence collected from locations across the country.
