Nationwide Action: CBI Carries Out Searches in 16 States over Digital Arrest Scams

NEW DELHI: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has conducted searches at 80 locations across 16 states as part of a nationwide crackdown on digital arrest scams, officials said on Thursday.

The large-scale operation, launched earlier this week, targeted networks involved in more than 200 cases of cyber fraud in which victims were allegedly deceived through fake “digital arrest” threats and impersonation tactics.

According to officials, nearly 60 CBI teams carried out coordinated searches at multiple locations across the country. The operation culminated in the arrest of two suspects — B. Naresh from Chennai and Sanjib Saha from Kolkata. Investigators alleged that the accused played a key role in setting up shell companies and opening and operating mule bank accounts that were used to channel proceeds of cyber fraud.

The agency said the fraudsters used a fake website resembling the Supreme Court’s to mislead victims and lend credibility to their schemes. Such scams typically involve criminals posing as law enforcement or government officials and threatening individuals with arrest unless they transfer money.

The CBI is continuing its investigation to identify other members of the network and trace the financial trail linked to the fraudulent activities.