Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 25: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has conducted searches at 80 locations across 16 states to dismantle a cybercrime network allegedly involved in digital arrest scams using a URL deceptively similar to the official website of the Supreme Court of India.
The operation, named ‘Operation Chakra-VI’, involved 60 specialised CBI teams carrying out coordinated searches from Punjab and Gujarat in the west to Assam and Manipur in the northeast. The agency said the network was linked to more than 200 cases of cyber-enabled fraud.
Digital arrest scams have emerged as a major form of cyber extortion, where fraudsters impersonate police officials, central agency investigators or judicial officers to threaten victims with arrest and criminal proceedings. The victims are then pressured to transfer money to avoid alleged legal action.
According to the CBI, the gang operated a website with a URL “deceptively similar” to the Supreme Court’s official website. The fraudsters allegedly used the fake domain to mislead victims by creating the impression of a legitimate legal process.
The investigation began after a complaint from the Registry of the Supreme Court of India, following which the CBI registered an FIR and launched a probe.
The operation led to the arrest of two accused persons — B Naresh from Chennai and Sanjib Saha from Kolkata. Officials said the duo was allegedly part of a gang involved in cheating citizens through deception, intimidation and misuse of technology.
The arrested accused were allegedly involved in creating a financial network to hide the money trail by setting up shell companies and operating mule bank accounts. These accounts were reportedly used to launder around Rs 2 crore of suspected proceeds of crime.
The CBI said the fraudsters exploited public trust by preparing fake documents resembling official court orders, warrants and notices. The gang allegedly uploaded forged documents, including fabricated orders appearing to be issued by courts and law enforcement agencies, to make their activities appear genuine.
The agency used advanced forensic tools and technical expertise to identify key elements of the cybercrime infrastructure, which was reportedly operating both within India and overseas.
The CBI said the investigation has also revealed indications that the network may have targeted foreign nationals apart from Indian citizens.
During the searches, investigators recovered mobile phones, digital devices, banking records and other material linked to the alleged cyber fraud operations.