In a significant move to combat the rising menace of cybercrime in India, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) launched Operation Chakra-V. This coordinated operation involved searches in 42 cities across the country and led to the arrest of five individuals suspected of being part of a large-scale cyber fraud network.
What Is Operation Chakra-V?
Operation Chakra-V is the latest phase in a series of nationwide crackdowns initiated by the CBI to dismantle cyber-enabled financial crime networks. These operations specifically target criminals involved in duping citizens through various online scams. The “Chakra” series has already proven successful in its earlier phases, with each installment focusing on a different aspect of digital fraud.
Cities Targeted and Key Findings
On May 10, 2025, CBI teams conducted searches at multiple premises across 42 cities. These included major metros and smaller urban centers. The operation was backed by several state police departments and cybercrime units.
During the searches, the CBI seized:
- Laptops and desktops containing incriminating digital evidence
- Mobile phones used in executing scams
- SIM cards and fake documents
- Transaction records linked to fraudulently obtained money
Moreover, five suspects were taken into custody and are currently under interrogation. They are believed to be key operatives in phishing, online investment frauds, and fake tech support scams targeting both Indian and foreign nationals.
Link to Previous Chakra Operations
This operation follows Operation Chakra-IV, which was executed in early 2025 and focused on a network defrauding German nationals. The previous phase revealed a ring that accessed victims’ devices remotely and siphoned off money using cryptocurrency channels. Similarly, Operation Chakra-III led to the arrest of 43 individuals and the uncovering of international fraud links.
Global Coordination and Tech Involvement
Notably, the CBI collaborated with several international law enforcement agencies, including INTERPOL and cybercrime divisions from the US, Germany, and Singapore. Furthermore, tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon Web Services provided intelligence and support to track suspicious activities originating from Indian IP addresses.
CBI’s Message to Cyber Criminals
A senior CBI official stated,
“Cybercrime knows no borders. Operation Chakra-V is our message to fraudsters that India will not be a safe haven for online crime.”
Why This Matters
Cybercrime in India has surged in recent years, especially with the rapid digitization of services. Victims often include vulnerable groups such as older citizens and first-time internet users. Operations like Chakra-V are essential to:
- Protect digital ecosystems
- Build public trust in online platforms
- Deter future criminal activities
Final Words
Operation Chakra-V marks another critical step in India’s aggressive fight against cybercriminals. As scams grow more sophisticated, the CBI is expected to intensify its crackdown through future operations. Citizens are also advised to stay alert and report suspicious online activities through official cybercrime portals.
