In a significant breakthrough against cybercrime, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested four individuals as part of Operation Chakra-V, a nationwide crackdown on transnational organized cyber syndicates involved in Digital Arrest scams. The arrests were made following an intensive search operation conducted at 12 locations across Uttar Pradesh (Moradabad and Sambhal), Maharashtra (Mumbai), Rajasthan (Jaipur), and West Bengal (Krishnanagar). The operation, which involved deep data analysis and high-tech investigative methods, led to the identification and apprehension of four kingpins — two each from Mumbai and Moradabad.
The case, initially registered at the Cyber Police Station in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, was transferred to the CBI at the request of the Rajasthan Government. Investigations revealed that a victim was digitally detained for over three months by cybercriminals impersonating officials from various law enforcement agencies. During this period, the victim was extorted 42 times, with the total amount siphoned off reaching a staggering ₹7.67 crore.
Upon taking charge, the CBI adopted a multi-pronged strategy, focusing on identifying and dismantling the broader infrastructure enabling such cybercrimes. Extensive searches resulted in the recovery of incriminating materials, including digital devices, bank account details, debit cards, cheque books, and deposit slips, all of which are being closely examined. All four accused were produced before a competent court and have been remanded to five days of police custody.
The CBI confirmed that further investigation is underway and assured continued efforts to combat the rising threat of cybercrime. A CBI spokesperson stated, “The agency remains committed to eliminating the menace of Digital Arrests by targeting not only the perpetrators but also the support infrastructure of these organized crime networks.”
Operation Chakra-V marks another milestone in CBI’s evolving cybercrime strategy, reinforcing its focus on safeguarding citizens from sophisticated digital threats. The arrests are part of a larger effort to dismantle organized cybercrime networks that exploit individuals through complex schemes.
According to reports, the fraud involved a BITS Pilani professor in Jhunjhunu, who was duped out of ₹7.7 crore over the course of a year. The criminals contacted her under the guise of officials from the Enforcement Directorate, CBI, and Maharashtra Police, coercing her into believing she was under investigation for money laundering. The pressure led her to take an ₹80 lakh loan to meet the extortion demands.
During her ordeal, the victim, identified as Shrijata Dey, was forced to report her daily movements and share activity logs every two hours, effectively placing her under a form of digital detention. This method of operation reflects a disturbing trend in cybercrime, where psychological manipulation is used to extort money from victims.
Authorities have traced around 200 bank accounts linked to the fraud, revealing that much of the money was funneled to foreign banks, indicating the potential involvement of an international gang. Given the scale and complexity of the crime, the Rajasthan Police handed over the case to the CBI, which employed advanced data analytics, profiling, and surveillance techniques to track the culprits.
The coordinated searches across major cities, including Moradabad, Sambhal, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Krishnanagar, have yielded crucial evidence. The CBI's findings include bank records, digital devices, cheque books, and deposit slips, all pivotal in building a case against the arrested individuals.
As the investigation continues, the CBI is expected to make more arrests, reflecting the agency's commitment to tackling cybercrime. The operation underscores the importance of public awareness about such scams, as many individuals remain vulnerable to sophisticated digital fraud.
In light of these developments, the CBI is urging citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. Cybercrime is an evolving threat that requires constant adaptation and response from law enforcement agencies. The agency's proactive measures aim to dismantle the networks that enable such crimes and protect citizens from becoming victims of digital extortion.
Operation Chakra-V is not just a response to this specific incident; it represents a broader strategy to combat the growing menace of cybercrime in India. As technology evolves, so do the tactics employed by criminals, making it imperative for law enforcement to stay one step ahead.
As the CBI continues its efforts, the impact of Operation Chakra-V will likely resonate beyond this case, setting a precedent for how cybercrime is addressed in the future. The agency's commitment to safeguarding citizens and dismantling organized crime networks is crucial in the ongoing battle against cyber threats.
