CBI Uncovers Transnational Network Behind Digital Arrest Cyber Frauds

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has uncovered a sophisticated transnational cybercrime network operating behind the rapidly growing menace of “Digital Arrest” frauds, filing a chargesheet against 13 accused under its nationwide Operation Chakra-V. The case, registered suo motu by the agency, covers ten major fraud incidents reported across India and reflects the expanding scale and coordination of cybercrime syndicates targeting citizens through fear-based digital extortion.

As part of the investigation, the CBI conducted coordinated searches in October 2025 across six States — Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Kerala and West Bengal. These searches led to the seizure of electronic devices, financial records, call logs and other digital artefacts crucial to mapping the scam’s operational structure. Three accused were arrested during the probe and are currently lodged in judicial custody.

A key breakthrough emerged from the technical analysis of over 15,000 IP addresses linked to the fraud ecosystem. Investigators found that several beneficiary bank accounts and control nodes were being remotely operated by handlers based in Cambodia, Hong Kong and China. By segregating India-based IP activity from international traffic, the agency was able to identify domestic facilitators and pinpoint locations involved in execution and fund movement.

The investigation has also thrown light on the disturbing role of so-called cyber-slavery compounds operating in Myanmar and nearby regions. Intelligence inputs indicate that trafficked Indian nationals are being forced to work in scam call centres, executing digital arrest frauds under coercion. These findings corroborate earlier probes that revealed the exploitation of vulnerable individuals to sustain organised cybercrime operations in Southeast Asia.

According to officials, the case has yielded extensive leads on the financial trail, VoIP routing systems, misuse of remote-access tools and layered money-mule networks used to launder proceeds of crime. The agency stressed that dismantling cyber fraud requires breaking each link of the ecosystem - technical, financial and human - rather than focusing solely on individual arrests.

Based on the evidence collected, the CBI filed the chargesheet within the statutory 60-day limit under relevant provisions of the IPC and the Information Technology Act. Investigators continue to pursue additional conspirators, overseas handlers and facilitators involved in sustaining the digital arrest scam infrastructure.

As cybercrime networks grow more complex and transnational, agencies and businesses alike are recognising the importance of robust financial scrutiny, internal controls and forensic review - areas where professional auditing services in india play a critical role in identifying red flags and preventing systemic abuse.