CBI Launches Nationwide Crackdown on Digital Arrest Syndicates, Three Arrested
New Delhi, September 4: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has intensified its crackdown on organised cybercrime linked to “digital arrest” frauds, conducting coordinated searches at 89 locations across 20 States under Operation Chakra-VI and arresting three accused persons.
The action follows directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India to undertake concerted measures against perpetrators of digital arrest crimes and the wider networks facilitating such offences.
The CBI said it has taken over several digital arrest-related cases in which victims were allegedly confined through digital means by cybercriminals impersonating police and other government officials and coerced into transferring large sums of money.
In three major cases investigated by the agency, victims were allegedly subjected to prolonged digital arrest and defrauded of substantial amounts. One case involved a victim associated with BITS Pilani, who was allegedly kept under digital arrest for three months and cheated of Rs 7.67 crore by persons posing as police officers. In another case in Gujarat, a victim was allegedly subjected to digital arrest for three months and defrauded of Rs 19.24 crore. The third case, registered in Karnataka, involved a victim who was allegedly kept under digital arrest for a month and defrauded of Rs 15.45 crore.
The searches were carried out on the basis of detailed financial and technical analysis, including scrutiny of bank accounts and online account-access data. Investigators seized banking documents, account-related records, digital devices and other material evidence, which are being subjected to forensic examination.
During the operation, the CBI arrested three accused persons allegedly involved in receiving, layering and dispersing the fraud proceeds.
According to the agency, Akash, a resident of Haryana, allegedly received Rs 1.95 crore of the defrauded money in his bank account and transferred funds to other accounts on the same day. The CBI said this indicated his direct and knowing involvement in laundering the proceeds.
Raja Karmakar of Kolkata was allegedly found to have received Rs 1.5 crore of the fraud proceeds in his firm's account. Another accused, Jyoti Rani, allegedly withdrew part of the amount credited to her account in cash and transferred the remaining funds to other accounts in an attempt to obscure the money trail.
The CBI said efforts are continuing to identify and apprehend other members of the wider network involved in the alleged cybercrime syndicates.
The agency reiterated its commitment to taking decisive action against digital arrest frauds and organised cybercrime networks and bringing those involved to justice. Further investigation in the cases is underway. ANB
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CBI Launches Nationwide Crackdown on Digital Arrest Syndicates, Three Arrested
New Delhi, September 4: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has intensified its crackdown on organised cybercrime linked to “digital arrest” frauds, conducting coordinated searches at 89 locations across 20 States under Operation Chakra-VI and arresting three accused persons.
The action follows directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India to undertake concerted measures against perpetrators of digital arrest crimes and the wider networks facilitating such offences.
The CBI said it has taken over several digital arrest-related cases in which victims were allegedly confined through digital means by cybercriminals impersonating police and other government officials and coerced into transferring large sums of money.
In three major cases investigated by the agency, victims were allegedly subjected to prolonged digital arrest and defrauded of substantial amounts. One case involved a victim associated with BITS Pilani, who was allegedly kept under digital arrest for three months and cheated of Rs 7.67 crore by persons posing as police officers. In another case in Gujarat, a victim was allegedly subjected to digital arrest for three months and defrauded of Rs 19.24 crore. The third case, registered in Karnataka, involved a victim who was allegedly kept under digital arrest for a month and defrauded of Rs 15.45 crore.
The searches were carried out on the basis of detailed financial and technical analysis, including scrutiny of bank accounts and online account-access data. Investigators seized banking documents, account-related records, digital devices and other material evidence, which are being subjected to forensic examination.
During the operation, the CBI arrested three accused persons allegedly involved in receiving, layering and dispersing the fraud proceeds.
According to the agency, Akash, a resident of Haryana, allegedly received Rs 1.95 crore of the defrauded money in his bank account and transferred funds to other accounts on the same day. The CBI said this indicated his direct and knowing involvement in laundering the proceeds.
Raja Karmakar of Kolkata was allegedly found to have received Rs 1.5 crore of the fraud proceeds in his firm's account. Another accused, Jyoti Rani, allegedly withdrew part of the amount credited to her account in cash and transferred the remaining funds to other accounts in an attempt to obscure the money trail.
The CBI said efforts are continuing to identify and apprehend other members of the wider network involved in the alleged cybercrime syndicates.
The agency reiterated its commitment to taking decisive action against digital arrest frauds and organised cybercrime networks and bringing those involved to justice. Further investigation in the cases is underway. ANB
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