CBI vs cybercrime networks — Digital Arrest scams investigation

CBI conducted searches at 80 locations across 16 states and Union Territories in a major crackdown on cybercrime networks operating digital arrest scams. Two arrests were made during the operation. The case involves shell companies and money laundering linked to these scams.

CBI chargesheeted 33 accused in a cyber fraud case involving a Delhi executive defrauded of Rs 50 lakh. The scheme used fake 'digital arrest' claims to extort money. The accused include proprietors of dummy firms, technical handlers, and money mules who routed funds.

The CBI conducted coordinated searches at 80 locations across 16 states and Union Territories as part of a crackdown on cybercriminal networks involved in digital arrest scams. Two arrests were made during the operation. The investigation targets organized fraud schemes that have victimized hundreds of people across India.

Former Trinamool Congress councillor Debraj Chakraborty was arrested and faced 10 additional extortion cases and land-grab complaints within 24 hours of arrest. He and his wife, former TMC legislator and singer Aditi Munshi, have been booked in multiple cases including extortion, money laundering, criminal intimidation, and asset disproportionate to income. Both CBI and Enforcement Directorate are investigating various charges.

Punit Garg, former director of RCOM, has been accused in an alleged Rs 40,000 crore money laundering case. He was arrested by the ED on January 29, 2026, and chargesheeted. His bail plea was rejected by the trial court and is now pending before the Delhi High Court.

A suspended 2015-batch IAS officer who served as Surendranagar Collector is accused of heading an organised bribery network for processing change of land use (CLU) applications. The Enforcement Directorate has alleged money laundering and bribery offences. The Gujarat High Court denied bail on June 29, finding no reasonable grounds to believe the officer was not guilty under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.