The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a chargesheet against 13 accused in a large-scale “Digital Arrest” cyber fraud case, marking a key step in its expanded crackdown on organised transnational digital crimes under Operation Chakra-V. The case, registered suo motu by the agency, covers ten significant incidents reported nationwide amid a surge in digital arrest scams targeting Indian citizens.
Coordinated Searches Across Six States Yield Crucial Evidence
In October 2025, the CBI carried out coordinated searches in Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Kerala and West Bengal. These operations led to the recovery of electronic devices, communication logs, financial documents and other digital evidence linked to the scam. Three accused were arrested during the investigation and are currently in judicial custody.
Analysis of 15,000 IP Addresses Reveals Cross-Border Nexus
Investigators examined more than 15,000 IP addresses associated with the fraud networks. Technical findings showed that several key bank accounts used to collect and divert victim funds were controlled by masterminds operating from Cambodia, Hong Kong and China. By isolating India-based IP addresses from the larger dataset, the CBI was able to identify domestic operatives and target specific locations for searches.
Myanmar ‘Slave Compounds’ Emerging as Scam Execution Hubs
The investigation uncovered multiple indicators showing that cyber-slavery compounds in Myanmar and neighbouring regions have become central hubs for the execution of digital arrest scams. Trafficked Indian nationals are allegedly forced to run call-centre-style fraud operations from these facilities. These findings align with intelligence gathered during parallel CBI probes into cyber-slavery and organised exploitation networks in Southeast Asia.
Extensive Leads on Financial, Technical and Operational Infrastructure
According to the agency, the probe has generated significant leads regarding the financial trail, call-flow patterns, VoIP routing systems, misuse of remote-access tools and the wider technological infrastructure supporting digital arrest frauds. The CBI emphasised that dismantling each operational component case by case remains vital to its evolving cybercrime enforcement strategy.
Chargesheet Filed Within Statutory Limit; Further Probe Underway
Based on the evidence collected so far, the CBI filed the chargesheet within the statutory 60-day period under relevant sections of the IPC and the IT Act. Investigators continue to pursue additional conspirators, facilitators, money-mule handlers and the overseas infrastructure enabling these coordinated cyber fraud operations.
CBI Reiterates Its Commitment to Targeting Digital Fraud Ecosystems
The agency stated that it remains committed to identifying and dismantling organised digital fraud ecosystems operating across borders. Its strategy combines technical intelligence, financial tracking, human intelligence and coordinated enforcement action to counter the rapidly evolving cybercrime landscape.
