Supreme Court Orders CBI Probe Into Nationwide Digital Arrest Scams

Dec 2, 2025 - The Supreme Court on Monday (December 1) directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to crack down on cases of digital arrest across the country. The Court said that every type of scam defrauding victims, especially senior citizens, needs to be investigated. It directed that the role of bankers involved in opening bank accounts used for digital arrest fraud may be investigated under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The Supreme Court has also asked the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) whether AI and machine-learning tools can be deployed to identify and freeze suspicious accounts.

This order was passed in a suo motu case that began in October. The Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi noted that cases of digital arrest have continued to surface even after the Court took cognisance.

On Monday, the amicus curiae mentioned before the Bench the growing cybercrimes being committed in the name of digital arrest, investment schemes and part-time job offers. The Bench said that immediate attention by the CBI is essential regarding the digital arrest scam. The Justices also instructed the CBI to first investigate digital arrest cases, while other categories of cybercrime will be taken up in subsequent phases after the Court considers whether these require Court supervision or monitoring.

The Court directed the Centre to consider inputs from all stakeholder Ministries. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT)has been asked to be present at the next hearing.

Other Directives by SC

• Given the severity of the crime and its potential cross-border spread, the CBI may approach Interpol for assistance if required.
• Authorities covered under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines) Rules 2021 must cooperate with the CBI when necessary.
• States that have not yet granted permission to the CBI to conduct investigations within their jurisdiction have been directed to do so.
• If negligence is found in issuing SIM cards or in cases where multiple SIMs are issued in one name, DoT must present a plan to prevent SIM misuse.
• States have been instructed to establish regional/State-Level Cybercrime Coordination Centres. Any difficulties must be reported to the Court.

With Media Inputs

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