Free cyber criminals’ bank accounts, use AI: SC’s big order to CBI, RBI, Centre and states on digital arrest cases

Supreme Court Asks CBI to Probe Pan-India Digital Arrest Scam Cases

The Supreme Court of India has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe digital arrest scam cases across the country.

Key Takeaways

• The apex court has asked states, including opposition-ruled West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Telangana, to accord assent to CBI for probing digital arrest cases.
• The RBI has been issued a notice, asking why AI or machine learning tech is not employed to freeze bank accounts used in cyber fraud cases.
• The central agency has been directed to take help from Interpol to reach out to cyber criminals operating from offshore tax haven countries.

Instructions to Multiple Stakeholders

The Supreme Court has issued instructions to multiple stakeholders, including the department of telecom, states, union territories, and their police agencies.

• The department of telecom has been asked to ensure that telecos don't provide multiple SIM cards to one user, which may be used in cyber crimes.
• States and union territories have been asked to connect with the CBI and freeze bank accounts used in defrauding citizens.
• The authorities in the states have been directed to set up regional and state cyber crime coordination centres to deal with such online offences.
• The SC has also asked the Solicitor General to ensure that views of various union ministries, including MHA, DOT, and Finance, are apprised to deal with cyber crimes.

Mumbai Police Takes Action

Ahead of the Supreme Court's instructions, the Mumbai police have launched a proactive outreach program to protect citizens from digital arrest scams.

According to the Mumbai Police, between January and October 2025, 142 cases of digital arrest fraud were reported, with cybercriminals siphoning off Rs 114 crore.

1. The majority of victims were elderly residents living alone who were intimidated and threatened into secrecy by the impersonators.

The SC has also directed that bank officials who are hand in-glove with fraudsters to dupe citizens must be probed thoroughly.

Government Response

The government has earlier told the Parliament that digital arrest scams have risen 21-times between 2022 and 2024.

Cases of "digital arrest" have also soared across Mumbai, particularly among elderly citizens living alone.

1. Authorities must take immediate action to prevent such scams and protect citizens, particularly the elderly and vulnerable.