By Inder Vashisth
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has carried out extensive searches at more than 80 locations across 16 states as part of Operation Chakra-VI, a nationwide crackdown on cybercrime networks involved in so-called “digital arrest” scams.
During the operation, the agency arrested B. Naresh, a resident of Chennai, and Sanjeeb Saha of Kolkata. According to the CBI, the two were allegedly involved in creating and operating shell companies and bank accounts used to launder proceeds generated through cyber fraud. Preliminary investigations have revealed suspicious transactions amounting to nearly Rs 2 crore through these accounts.
The searches were conducted by around 60 CBI teams in Punjab, Gujarat, Delhi, Maharashtra, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Assam, West Bengal, Manipur, Karnataka and Odisha.
The action follows the CBI’s recent exposure of a fake website whose URL closely resembled that of the Supreme Court of India’s official website. Investigators found that cybercriminals were using the website to intimidate victims in the name of “digital arrest” and defraud them of money.
The agency had registered an FIR on a complaint filed by the Supreme Court Registry and subsequently launched an investigation. During the probe, it emerged that the accused had created and uploaded forged court orders and other fabricated documents purportedly issued by courts and various law enforcement agencies to deceive unsuspecting individuals.
During the nationwide raids, the CBI seized a large number of digital devices, mobile phones, bank transaction records and other incriminating materials. The seized evidence is being subjected to forensic examination.
According to the CBI, the cybercrime syndicate may have targeted not only Indian citizens but also victims in several other countries. The agency said that relevant law enforcement authorities abroad are being informed as part of the ongoing investigation.
The probe is continuing, and further arrests are not being ruled out.