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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has uncovered a large cyber fraud setup. They disrupted the operation that sent phishing messages across the country. These messages were tricking people into various cyber frauds such as fake digital arrests, loan scams, and investment frauds. Authorities have arrested three people in the case. Under Operation Chakra-V, which focuses on breaking the backbone of cybercrime in India, the CBI studied the huge number of fake SMS messages that people receive daily and which often lead them into serious financial fraud.
During the investigation, CBI identified an organised cyber gang operating from the NCR/Chandigarh area. This gang was providing bulk SMS services to cyber criminals. It was found that even foreign cyber criminals were using this service to cheat Indian citizens.
Operation Chakra : CBI Books Firm for Fake Loan Messages via 21,000 Illegal SIMs
The initial investigation shows that the accused obtained around 21,000 SIM cards in violation of DoT rules and controlled them through an online platform to send bulk messages. The messages offered fake loans, investment opportunities, and other financial benefits, with the aim of stealing personal and banking details of innocent people.
The CBI worked closely with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). They used information from various sources, including the Sanchar Saathi portal. As a result, the CBI registered a case against the private company, M/s Lord Mahavira Services India Pvt. Ltd. The company was allegedly operating the illegal system mentioned above. This system allowed fraudsters to send large numbers of fake messages to people across India.
CBI Seizes SIMs, Servers in Major Phishing Message Scam
Searches were conducted at several locations in Delhi, Noida, and Chandigarh. During these searches, CBI found a complete and active system used for sending phishing messages. This system included servers, communication devices, USB hubs, dongles, and thousands of SIM cards.Using this setup, the operators sent lakhs of fraud messages every day.
CBI has seized important digital evidence, unaccounted cash, and cryptocurrency during the operation. Early findings also suggest the involvement of some channel partners of telecom companies and their employees, who helped in illegally arranging SIM cards for this fraud. Authorities have arrested three people so far.
This operation shows CBI’s strong commitment to stopping organised cybercrime by attacking its technical backbone. Through close coordination with other agencies, CBI will continue to act firmly against those who misuse technology to cheat the public. They will use advanced intelligence to bring these wrongdoers to justice under the law.
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