State vs. Multiple accused — Digital arrest cyber fraud (Delhi)

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.

The Enforcement Directorate uncovered a pan-India organised network of cyber fraudsters operating digital arrest scams, affecting over 330 victims and resulting in losses exceeding Rs 400 crore. The network is subject to over 163 FIRs across 20 states and Union Territories.

The Supreme Court registered a suo motu case in October 2025 after a senior citizen couple from Haryana reported being defrauded of Rs 1.5 crore in a digital arrest scam. The Court issued 13-point directions to combat such scams nationwide, recognizing this as a widespread issue affecting multiple states and directing RBI, banks, and state authorities to implement urgent SOPs and cybercrime coordination mechanisms.