The Supreme Court directed a comprehensive investigation into digital arrest scams across India, questioning why the RBI isn't utilizing AI to combat such cyber crimes. These scams, targeting mainly senior citizens, involve criminals posing as authorities to extort money. The CBI and state authorities will lead the efforts.
Supreme Court Calls for Pan-India Probe Into Rising Digital Arrest Scams
The Supreme Court on Monday instructed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct a unified national probe into the escalating digital arrest scam cases. The apex court also questioned the Reserve Bank of India's current approach, asking why it isn't leveraging Artificial Intelligence to track and freeze the bank accounts utilized by cyber criminals.
During the hearing, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi highlighted the modus operandi of the fraudsters, who impersonate law enforcement or government officials to coerce victims, often senior citizens, into paying money. The court emphasized the urgent need for a coordinated effort among states to combat this growing menace.
The Supreme Court's directive extends to all states and Union Territories, urging them to support the CBI in their investigations. It also sought collaboration from telecom operators to limit the issuance of multiple SIM cards, often exploited in these scams. The court stressed stringent action against financial institutions colluding with perpetrators to operate mule accounts.
