Organised network behind digital arrest fraud uncovered as CBI expands arrests

The CBI’s latest round of arrests in Operation Chakra-6 points to a sophisticated, organised cyber‑crime ring operating behind a series of digital arrest scams. Investigators revealed that the newly detained suspects – including Itarsi natives Sanket Bastiwar and Pankaj Damade, along with Delhi‑based Arif (alias King Bhai), Harish "Harry" Yadav and Shashank Singh (alias Ravi) – were instrumental in moving stolen funds across a maze of bank accounts.

Prosecutors say the trio installed a malicious APK on the mobile phones of bank‑account holders, enabling them to intercept SMS alerts and manipulate transactions covertly. This technique allowed the gang to launder amounts exceeding ₹42 crore across multiple jurisdictions, masking the money trail.

Authorities now focus on mapping the full operational structure of the network, tracing the flow of funds, and identifying additional accomplices who remain at large.