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CBI uncovers a sprawling cyber fraud network, linking Indian victims to trafficked call-centre workers in Myanmar and masterminds in Hong Kong, Cambodia, and China. 13 arrested as probe into “Digital Arrest” scams deepens.
CBI uncovers dark cybercrime web in digital arrest scam
New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a chargesheet against 13 individuals in a major “Digital Arrest” cyber fraud case, part of its ongoing Operation Chakra-V targeting organised transnational cybercrime. The case, registered suo motu, investigates ten significant incidents of Digital Arrest scams reported across India amid a surge in such offences.
In October 2025, the CBI conducted coordinated searches across Delhi-NCR, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Kerala, and West Bengal. The operations resulted in the seizure of electronic devices, communication logs, financial records, and other digital evidence. Three accused were arrested during the raids and are currently in judicial custody.
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Analysis of over 15,000 IP addresses linked to the scam networks revealed extensive international connections. The probe found that several bank accounts used to collect and route victim funds were controlled by masterminds based in Cambodia, Hong Kong, and China. Investigators were able to isolate India-based IP addresses, facilitating targeted searches and the identification of domestic operatives.
Evidence indicates that slave compounds in Myanmar and neighbouring regions act as major hubs for Digital Arrest frauds. Trafficked Indian nationals are reportedly coerced into running call-centre style cybercrime operations.
These findings align with intelligence from parallel CBI investigations into cyber-slavery and organised digital exploitation networks in Southeast Asia.
The investigation has generated significant leads on financial trails, call-flow patterns, VoIP routing, remote-access tool misuse, and the broader technological infrastructure supporting these scams. The CBI continues to dismantle each operational component in a systematic, case-by-case approach as part of its cybercrime enforcement strategy.
Based on the evidence collected, the CBI has filed a chargesheet against 13 accused under provisions of the Indian Penal Code and Information Technology Act within the statutory 60-day period. Investigations are ongoing to identify additional conspirators, facilitators, money-mule handlers, and the overseas infrastructure enabling these transnational cyber fraud operations.
