Today, On 27th October, The Supreme Court raised concerns over the rising digital arrest scams and asked whether the CBI has adequate resources to handle all such cases. The Bench sought detailed FIR data from all States before considering a central probe.
The Supreme Court took serious note of the growing menace of “digital arrest” scams and directed all states and union territories to furnish details of FIRs registered in their jurisdictions related to this form of cybercrime.
The matter was heard by a Bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, which is dealing with the case suo motu in view of the rising number of such online frauds across the country.
During the hearing, Attorney General R. Venkataramani informed the Bench that these scams were being operated by international criminal networks.
He said,
“These are money laundering gangs operating beyond our borders notably out of Myanmar and Thailand.”
Addressing the counsel for Haryana, Justice Surya Kant said,
“We would welcome the State taking the position that this should be investigated by a central agency, we will record that stance.”
The Bench noted that apart from the two FIRs already on record, there are several other similar cases registered in different states.
The court directed the State of Haryana to file within one week the details of all such FIRs and issued notices to all other States and Union Territories to submit particulars of cases relating to these cybercrimes.
The Bench clarified that no formal counter affidavits were required only case details should be provided.
Emphasising the need for a national response, Justice Surya Kant observed,
“Nothing concrete can be done unless this is addressed on an all India basis. If the CBI has any shortcomings in handling these matters, let the Court know.”
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta highlighted the scale and seriousness of the issue, stating,
“The problem is offshore and larger than anticipated it involves three pillars: financial, technical and human. Young people are recruited with promises of employment abroad, their passports are seized, and they are forced to generate revenue effectively enslaved to carry out fraud.”
Adding to this, Justice Joymalya Bagchi said,
“There was a crackdown in Myanmar which pushed these cyber cells into Thailand. Please ascertain whether the CBI has the capacity to handle all the cases.”
The Solicitor General further recalled the experience of earlier financial scams, noting,
“The scale is largerecalling previous Ponzi probes, the CBI was under heavy pressure and sought to offload cases, the volume here may create similar strain.”
Concluding the proceedings, the Supreme Court directed all States and UTs to submit complete details of pending digital arrest cybercrime cases and listed the matter for further hearing on Monday.
Earlier, During the hearing on October 17, the court noted that strong, coordinated action at a national level was necessary to uncover the extent of criminal activities involving the forgery of judicial documents, cyber extortion, and the wrongful arrest of innocent individuals, particularly senior citizens.
Case Title: IN RE: VICTIMS OF DIGITAL ARREST RELATED TO FORGED DOCUMENTS SMW(Crl) No. 3/2025
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