The Hindu: Published On 5 December 2025
Why in News?
The Supreme Court’s order comes in the wake of an alarming surge in digital arrest scams, which have transcended state boundaries and are causing massive financial losses. Key points include:
- The Supreme Court of India has directed the CBI to initiate a pan-India investigation into these cybercrimes.
- These scams primarily target senior citizens, with losses exceeding ₹3,000 crore.
- The Court has empowered the CBI to bypass typical state consent requirements, reflecting the national and urgent nature of the threat.
- Banks are being asked to identify and freeze mule accounts, while RBI’s AI/ML-based tools are being used for real-time monitoring.
- Online platforms are cooperating under IT Rules 2021, ensuring compliance and data-sharing for tracking offenders.
This intervention represents a significant judicial push to restore digital trust in India’s rapidly growing digital ecosystem.
What is a Cyber Crackdown?
A cyber crackdown refers to a coordinated government effort to combat cybercrime using a combination of legal, technological, and operational measures. Its core elements include:
- Law Enforcement Actions: Nationwide investigations and raids by agencies like CBI, ED, and state cyber units.
- Technological Measures: Use of AI, machine learning, and digital forensics to detect fraud patterns and track criminal networks.
- Regulatory Oversight: Enforcement of IT Act 2000 and IT Rules 2021 to ensure compliance from digital platforms and telecom companies.
- Public Awareness: Informing citizens about common scams, phishing attempts, and safe online practices.
- International Cooperation: Collaboration with foreign agencies to dismantle transnational scam operations in conflict zones like Myanmar and Southeast Asia.
Background
India’s rapid digital adoption, with platforms like UPI, digital banking, and e-governance, has made the country vulnerable to cybercrime. Digital arrest scams typically involve fraudsters impersonating government officials over video calls to extort money.
Despite initiatives like:
- Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C),
- Deployment of 50,000 Cyber Commandos, and
- Awareness campaigns
These scams continue to grow, often originating from Southeast Asian scam hubs that exploit trafficked workers. Reports also suggest that Myanmar’s military junta profits by taxing these operations, highlighting transnational links.
Key Dimensions of the Cyber Threat
- Domestic: Exploitation of complicit bankers, weak cyber policing, and digital literacy gaps among vulnerable populations.
- Technological: Use of AI/ML monitoring, digital forensics, and cross-platform surveillance to detect layered scams.
- International: Scam hubs in conflict zones require ASEAN and UN sanctions and transnational coordination.
- Social: Seniors, women, and digitally naive citizens are disproportionately affected, exposing the need for stronger public awareness.
Way Forward
Enforcement
- Expand CBI’s Operation Chakra-V to coordinate with state police.
- Swiftly identify and block suspicious bank accounts linked to scams.
Technology & Capacity
- Leverage RBI’s AI/ML tools for real-time transaction monitoring.
- Train 50,000+ Cyber Commandos nationwide to handle cyber threats.
Awareness & Education
- Launch mass awareness campaigns on scam tactics.
- Integrate cyber hygiene education in schools and governance programs.
Global Cooperation
- Push for ASEAN/UN sanctions against scam hubs.
- Form bilateral agreements, like the US Scam Center model, to dismantle international fraud networks.
Policy Reforms
- Amend the IT Act to facilitate faster prosecutions and stronger deterrence.
- Strengthen CERT-In to provide real-time alerts and proactive measures.
