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CBI Raids 80 Sites in Crackdown on 'Digital Arrest' Scam

Forensic examination of seized devices is under way with investigators warning the inquiry could widen across borders.

Overview

  • The Central Bureau of Investigation led Operation Chakra‑VI on Thursday, sending 60 teams to search more than 80 locations in 16 states and detaining two suspects identified as B Naresh and Sanjib Saha.
  • Investigators uncovered a fraudulent website whose URL closely mimicked the Supreme Court’s site and seized mobile phones, computers, forged court orders and bank records for forensic analysis.
  • CBI officials say the raids target an organised network linked to over 200 reported digital arrest cases that used fake court notices and intimidation to coerce victims into paying.
  • Authorities allege the suspects ran shell companies and mule bank accounts to launder about ₹2 crore and local police in Gurugram, New Delhi and Cyberabad separately arrested more than 30 people while securing refunds for victims.
  • Law enforcement has urged the public to ignore WhatsApp video ‘verifications’ and unsolicited links, and warned that ongoing forensic work and international information sharing may uncover more victims and arrests.