CBI Arrests 3 in Crackdown on Cybercrime Syndicates
Searches across 7 states target mule accounts, digital arrest scams; 13 total arrested so far.
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CBI intensifies Operation Chakra-V to combat cybercrime.
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Raids conducted across 7 states: Delhi, Bihar, MP, Kerala, Punjab, AP, Rajasthan.
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3 arrested for running mule accounts used in digital frauds.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 16th July: In a major step toward dismantling organised cybercrime syndicates, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday intensified its Operation Chakra-V, conducting coordinated raids at multiple locations across seven states—Delhi, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
The crackdown led to the arrest of three individuals accused of operating and facilitating mule bank accounts—a crucial element in digital fraud networks. These accounts are commonly used to route and obscure the proceeds of cyber scams, particularly digital arrest frauds targeting unsuspecting citizens.
The agency seized mobile phones, KYC documents, bank records, and other incriminating evidence, suggesting collusion between the accused and cybercriminals. According to the CBI, the arrested persons served as intermediaries, aiding in the laundering and withdrawal of fraudulently obtained funds.
The arrests follow an FIR registered on June 25 against 37 accused under relevant sections of the IPC/BNS and the Prevention of Corruption Act. The first phase of searches on June 26 and 27 across 40 locations had already led to the arrest of 10 individuals involved in similar crimes.
CBI officials stated that Operation Chakra-V is built on a three-pronged strategy targeting:
- Financial Infrastructure – focusing on mule accounts and illegal payment gateways.
- Telecom Infrastructure – including misuse of SIM cards and Point-of-Sale (PoS) agents.
- Human Resource Networks – comprising organised cyber syndicates and instances of cyber slavery, often operated from outside Indian borders.
This campaign is part of the Government of India’s intensified drive to combat cyber fraud, which has seen a sharp rise in recent years. The newly arrested individuals will be produced before the jurisdictional court, while investigations into the wider network remain ongoing.
