Operation Chakra V Crackdown on Cybercrime

Overview

Operation Chakra V Crackdown on Cybercrime: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) launched Operation Chakra V to dismantle organised cyber-fraud networks that exploit digital infrastructure and target citizens across borders. The drive aims at bringing cybercriminals to justice and safeguarding citizens from digital exploitation. Major operations have spanned multiple states, uncovering complex fraud infrastructure.

Static GK fact: The CBI was established in 1963 and functions as India’s premier central investigative agency.

Major Actions and Findings

The CBI conducted coordinated searches at 42 locations across eight states such as Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. These raids revealed a vast network of unauthorised SIM cards, point-of-sale agents and mule bank accounts used for fraud. In one phase, operation uncovered around 8.5 lakh mule accounts opened via over 700 bank branches, utilised for scams involving impersonation, investment fraud and UPI misuse.

Targeted Frauds and Modus Operandi

Investigations show the syndicates employed a three-pronged infrastructure:

• Telecom infrastructure: Pre-activated SIM cards, PoS agents distributing SIMs.
• Financial infrastructure: Mule bank accounts to launder proceeds and route funds internationally.
• Human resource networks: Offshore or domestic call centres posing as tech support, investment advisers or government officials to deceive victims abroad and in India.
  One notable case involved fake mobile apps and WhatsApp groups luring investors into discounted shares of listed companies; victims transferred money and funds were misappropriated. A man from Maharashtra’s Kalyan was arrested for supplying pre-activated SIMs and mule accounts.

Transnational Dimension and Collaboration

The operation has a global dimension. For instance, a tech-support scam targeted Japanese nationals; the CBI arrested six operatives following searches at 19 locations in Delhi, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. The CBI is coordinating with foreign law-enforcement such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (USA), the National Crime Agency (UK) and Japan’s national police agency for cross-border intelligence sharing.

Static GK tip: India became a member of the Global Cyber Crime Coalition of the United Nations in 2020, expanding international cooperation on cybercrime.

Significance for Competitive Exams

The launch and execution of Operation Chakra V reflect India’s strategy to curb cyber-enabled financial crimes and protect digital ecosystem integrity. For aspirants, topics such as mule accounts, unauthorised SIM distribution, transnational cybercrime syndicates, and international law-enforcement collaboration are highly relevant for static GK and current affairs sections in competitive exams.

Static GK fact: India’s domestic cybercrime reporting portal (Cybercrime PSU) recorded over 1 lakh complaints of cyber-fraud in the year 2024.

Way Forward

The CBI has emphasised that the probe is ongoing and calls for tighter enforcement of KYC norms, banking vigilance and telecom oversight. Dismantling cyber-fraud infrastructure requires a mix of regulatory reform, technological monitoring and public awareness. Aspirants should note how government agencies approach layered networks (telecom + finance + human resource) in modern white-collar crime.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Operation Chakra V Crackdown on Cybercrime: