CBI Raids in Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Delhi, Hisar & Lucknow: Operation Chakra-V Busts Major Cyber Scam Network

Massive crackdown exposes well-planned scam targeting innocent investors via fake apps and WhatsApp groups

In a decisive move against the growing menace of cyber-enabled financial crimes, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday launched coordinated raids under Operation Chakra-V across multiple cities in India. The operation targeted 10 locations spanning Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Delhi, Hisar, and Lucknow, signaling a robust escalation in efforts to neutralize complex financial scams orchestrated through digital platforms.

The raids, conducted simultaneously, led to the arrest of one individual in Maharashtra’s Kalyan and the seizure of significant incriminating digital and documentary evidence, highlighting a dangerous trend in cybercrime that has financially impacted numerous unsuspecting citizens across the country.

The Case: Scam Through Fake Apps and WhatsApp Groups

According to the CBI, the operation stems from a criminal case involving a highly organized fraud ring. The perpetrators operated through fraudulent mobile applications and WhatsApp groups, posing as legitimate financial advisors and brokers.

The scammers reportedly enticed victims by offering shares of well-known, publicly listed companies at discounted prices. Attracted by these too-good-to-be-true offers, many individuals transferred their savings in the hope of earning quick returns. However, once the money was deposited, the fraudsters vanished—leaving victims in distress and financial ruin.

“This was a calculated move designed to exploit digital trust and the growing culture of online investing. Once victims were convinced, their funds were siphoned off through a web of mule accounts and SIM-enabled communications,” a CBI official revealed.

Key Arrest: A Crucial Link in the Cybercrime Supply Chain
 

The agency arrested Pratik Tanpure, a Kalyan resident, who was allegedly a key enabler for the fraud networks. According to the CBI, Tanpure was involved in supplying pre-activated SIM cards and mule bank accounts, which were instrumental in carrying out and masking the illegal activities.

These resources allowed cybercriminals to operate under multiple false identities and spread their operations across digital platforms without immediate detection. The CBI emphasized that the arrest of Tanpure is a critical breakthrough, as he was not just a small-time associate but an important cog in the larger machinery enabling cybercrime syndicates.

Evidence Seized: Unraveling the Fraud Network
 

During the raids, investigators seized a wide range of evidence, including:

• Pre-activated SIM cards
• Bank account details linked to fake identities
• Fake company documents
• Hard drives, mobile phones, and laptops containing data of transactions
• Scripts used for luring victims on WhatsApp and mobile apps

Preliminary analysis of the recovered material suggests that the fraud had a wide geographical reach, potentially affecting hundreds of investors across states. Authorities are now tracing financial trails to uncover the larger syndicate and its international connections, if any.

A Growing Threat: India’s Cybercrime Landscape

The raids come at a time when cyber-enabled financial crimes are on the rise in India. From fake investment platforms to cryptocurrency scams and phishing campaigns, criminals are leveraging technology to deceive citizens and bypass traditional law enforcement radar.

Operation Chakra-V is CBI’s fifth wave in its ongoing crackdown against such crimes. Previous phases have exposed fake call centers, loan scams, and phishing rackets involving foreign operatives. With each phase, the agency aims to dismantle the financial infrastructure and digital toolkit that powers these illegal networks.

 

CBI’s Message: No Room for Digital Crime in India

 

In a press release, the CBI reiterated its commitment to protecting digital citizens and ensuring that technological advancements are not hijacked for criminal purposes.

“Operation Chakra-V is part of our long-term vision to create a safe and secure digital ecosystem for Indian citizens. We will continue to investigate, prosecute, and neutralize individuals and networks involved in cyber-financial frauds,” the statement read.

 

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Investors
 

This crackdown should serve as a cautionary tale for online investors and the general public. The lure of fast profits should always be viewed with suspicion, and users must verify platforms and offers before making financial commitments.

As digital platforms become the norm for financial transactions, public awareness, regulatory vigilance, and aggressive enforcement by agencies like the CBI are crucial to ensuring that cybercriminals have no safe haven.