Operation Chakra VI: CBI Raids 80 Locations, Arrests Two In Cyber Fraud Probe

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched a major crackdown on cyber fraudsters involved in digital arrest scams. As part of the operation, it carried out raids at more than 80 locations across 16 states.

As part of the operation, two individuals, B Nagesh from Chennai and Sanjeev Saha from Kolkata, have been arrested.

According to the agency, the action is being conducted under Operation Chakra VI.

Around 60 special CBI teams carried out simultaneous searches in Punjab, Gujarat, Delhi, Maharashtra, Haryana, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Assam, West Bengal, Manipur, Karnataka and Odisha, among other states.

The CBI said the operation was aimed at dismantling a large network linked to digital arrest fraud. The syndicate is suspected to be involved in more than 200 cybercrime cases.

Investigation Findings

The two arrested suspects are accused of creating fake shell companies and operating mule bank accounts to conceal proceeds generated through online scams.

Preliminary investigations have revealed illegal money laundering worth nearly Rs 2 crore through these accounts. Investigators believe the accounts were used to route and launder money obtained through digital arrest-related fraud schemes.

The agency also discovered a fake domain resembling the official website of the Supreme Court. Fraudsters allegedly used the website to threaten victims with digital arrest and extort money.

The CBI had registered an FIR following a complaint from the Supreme Court Registry and subsequently launched an investigation.

Technical analysis and forensic examinations helped investigators identify key links in the cyber network operating both within India and abroad.

During the probe, officials found that the accused had prepared forged orders and documents in the names of courts and government agencies. They allegedly used the forged documents to deceive victims. The documents falsely suggested that legal action was underway.

During the searches, the CBI seized a large number of incriminating documents, smartphones, laptops, hard disks and digital evidence related to banking transactions.

The seized material is currently under examination.

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