CBI Launches Operation Chakra-VI to Combat Digital Arrest Fraud Across 16 Indian States

Key Facts

• Operation Chakra-VI was launched on 25 June 2026 by the CBI.
• Raids conducted at more than 80 locations across 16 states including Punjab, Gujarat, Delhi, Maharashtra, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Assam, West Bengal, Manipur, Karnataka, and Odisha.
• 60 special teams were involved in the operation.
• Two persons arrested: B Naresh of Chennai and Sanjib Saha of Kolkata.
• Linked shell companies and mule bank accounts were used to launder around ₹2 crore of suspected proceeds of crime.
• A fraudulent website with a URL deceptively similar to the official Supreme Court of India website was discovered and used to deceive victims.
• CBI registered an FIR following a complaint from the Registry of the Supreme Court of India.
• Investigation linked the fraud network to over 200 digital arrest fraud cases operating both within India and internationally.
• Digital devices, mobile phones, bank transaction records, and other incriminating documents were seized and are undergoing forensic analysis.

Background & Context

Digital arrest fraud is a form of cybercrime where offenders impersonate police, court, or government officials and use phone calls, messages, or video communications to threaten victims with arrest unless a payment is made. Fraudsters employ fake or forged documents, spoofed websites, and fabricated court orders to create a credible threat. They launder the extorted money using shell companies—entities without active business operations—and mule bank accounts—bank accounts used to move illicit funds on behalf of others. The scale of this organized fraud spans multiple states across India and affects victims internationally.

Why This Matters for Exams

Operation Chakra-VI exemplifies a significant national law enforcement response to sophisticated cybercrime affecting Indian citizens and abroad. It highlights the modus operandi of digital arrest scams, the role of shell companies and mule accounts in laundering crime proceeds, and the application of legal frameworks such as the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. These details are relevant for understanding contemporary crime patterns, cyber law, forensic investigations, and government countermeasures—topics frequently examined in competitive exams and current affairs.

Points to Remember

• Date of Operation Chakra-VI: 25 June 2026.
• CBI is India's premier investigative agency for serious crimes and corruption.
• Operation covered more than 80 locations across 16 states with 60 special teams.
• Two accused arrested for involvement with shell companies and mule bank accounts laundering ₹2 crore.
• Fake Supreme Court website used to lend credibility to scams.
• Over 200 digital arrest fraud cases linked to the investigated network.
• Digital arrest fraud involves impersonation of officials to extort money via threats of arrest.
• Seized items are undergoing forensic analysis to extract evidence and map criminal networks.
• Indian cybercrime laws applicable include the Information Technology Act, 2000, and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (where applicable).