CBI’s Operation Chakra-V: A Comprehensive Analysis of India’s Cybercrime Crackdown

By Budding Forensic Expert, New Delhi, June 26, 2025

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) launched Operation Chakra-V on June 26, 2025, targeting a sprawling network of 8.5 lakh mule bank accounts across 700+ bank branches in India. The operation involved raids at 42 locations across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand, leading to the arrest of nine individuals. As a budding forensic expert, I present a detailed report, including a timeline, event flow, and forensic insights into this landmark crackdown on cyber fraud.

Summary of Operation Chakra-V

Operation Chakra-V is a large-scale CBI initiative aimed at dismantling a sophisticated network of mule bank accounts used to facilitate cybercrimes, including UPI scams, fake KYC frauds, and digital arrest scams. The operation uncovered 8.5 lakh mule accounts spread across 700+ bank branches, exposing significant lapses in banking compliance with Know Your Customer (KYC) norms. Nine suspects were arrested, and the CBI is collaborating with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and international agencies to trace illicit funds and identify the masterminds. The raids, conducted on June 26, 2025, targeted key locations in five states, highlighting the scale and complexity of the fraudulent network.

Timeline of Operation Chakra-V

• Early 2025: The CBI receives intelligence about a large-scale mule account network linked to rising cybercrime cases, including UPI frauds and digital arrest scams. Forensic teams begin analyzing transaction patterns and KYC discrepancies.
• May 2025: The CBI, in coordination with state police and the RBI, identifies key suspects and locations involved in operating mule accounts. Digital forensics units trace communications and financial flows.
• June 25, 2025: The CBI finalizes plans for Operation Chakra-V, identifying 42 target locations across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand for simultaneous raids.
• June 26, 2025, 5:00 AM IST: CBI teams, supported by local police, commence raids at 42 locations, seizing documents, electronic devices, and forged KYC materials.
• June 26, 2025, 12:00 PM IST: The CBI arrests nine individuals suspected of facilitating the mule account network. Preliminary investigations reveal 8.5 lakh mule accounts across 700+ bank branches.
• June 26, 2025, 6:00 PM IST: The CBI issues a press release confirming the operation’s scope and ongoing collaboration with the RBI and international agencies like the FBI and Interpol.
• June 26, 2025, 8:00 PM IST: Public reactions on X highlight concerns about banking vulnerabilities and the need for stricter KYC enforcement.

Event Flow of Operation Chakra-V

1. Intelligence Gathering (Early 2025): The CBI’s Cybercrime Division receives tips about a network of mule accounts used to launder money from cyber frauds. Forensic accountants and digital forensics experts analyze bank records and transaction logs, identifying suspicious patterns linked to UPI scams and digital arrest frauds.
2. Pre-Operation Planning (May–June 2025): The CBI collaborates with state police, the RBI, and cybercrime units to map the network’s operations. Forensic analysis of seized devices from prior operations (e.g., Chakra-II) provides leads on key operatives and locations.
3. Execution of Raids (June 26, 2025): At dawn, CBI teams raid 42 locations, including residential premises, offices, and cybercafes in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Jaipur, and Dehradun. Seized evidence includes laptops, mobile phones, forged Aadhaar and PAN cards, and bank documents.
4. Arrests and Interrogations: Nine individuals are arrested for their alleged roles in opening and managing mule accounts. Forensic teams begin examining seized devices for evidence of communications with cybercriminals, while accountants trace illicit fund flows.
5. Ongoing Investigations: The CBI coordinates with the RBI to audit KYC compliance at implicated bank branches. Digital forensics units analyze server logs and cryptocurrency transactions to identify transnational links. International collaboration with agencies like Interpol is initiated to trace cross-border fraud networks.

Forensic Analysis and Key Findings

Operation Chakra-V has revealed a complex web of cybercrime enabled by 8.5 lakh mule accounts, which were used to funnel illicit funds from phishing, identity theft, and impersonation scams. From a forensic perspective, the operation highlights several critical findings:

• Forged KYC Documents: Many mule accounts were opened using fake Aadhaar and PAN cards, indicating a failure in identity verification processes. Forensic document examiners are analyzing these materials to identify their origins and creators.
• Digital Evidence: Seized devices are undergoing forensic analysis to recover deleted communications, phishing emails, and VoIP call logs. Tools like Cellebrite and Magnet AXIOM are likely being used to extract data from encrypted devices.
• Financial Tracing: Forensic accountants are mapping transaction flows through mule accounts, identifying patterns such as rapid transfers across multiple banks or jurisdictions. Blockchain forensics may be employed to trace cryptocurrency-based laundering.
• Banking Lapses: The operation exposed systemic weaknesses in KYC compliance, with some bank branches failing to flag suspicious accounts. The CBI is investigating whether bank employees were complicit or negligent.

Public Reaction and Cybersecurity Implications

Posts on X reflect widespread concern about the scale of the mule account network, with users calling for stricter banking regulations and greater public awareness. Some posts suggest that banks should face penalties for lax KYC enforcement, while others highlight the need for education on recognizing scams like digital arrest frauds. As a budding forensic expert, I note that these sentiments, while insightful, are not conclusive and require validation through official sources.

The rise of digital arrest scams, where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement to extort money, underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures.

Collaborative Efforts and Future Directions

Operation Chakra-V builds on the CBI’s prior operations, such as Chakra-I and Chakra-II, which targeted transnational cybercrime networks. The agency’s collaboration with the FBI, Interpol, and other international bodies enhances its ability to tackle cross-border fraud. Forensic experts are likely analyzing shared evidence, including server logs and cryptocurrency wallets, to identify global connections.

The CBI is working with the RBI to strengthen KYC protocols and deploy real-time fraud detection systems. Forensic teams will continue to play a pivotal role, using network analysis, digital forensics, and financial tracing to dismantle the broader ecosystem. The agency is also expected to pursue additional arrests and target the masterminds behind the network.

Recommendations for Prevention

As a budding forensic expert, I propose the following measures to prevent similar cybercrimes:

• Enhanced KYC Compliance: Banks must adopt advanced verification technologies, such as biometric authentication and AI-based anomaly detection, to prevent fraudulent account openings.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: The government and banks should educate citizens about common scams, such as digital arrest frauds, through media and community outreach.
• Forensic Investment: Law enforcement agencies should invest in advanced forensic tools and training to keep pace with evolving cybercrime tactics.
• Bank Accountability: The RBI should enforce stricter penalties for banks failing to comply with KYC norms, ensuring accountability across the financial sector.

Conclusion

Operation Chakra-V marks a significant milestone in India’s fight against cybercrime, exposing a vast network of 8.5 lakh mule accounts and leading to nine arrests across 42 locations. The operation underscores the critical role of forensic science in uncovering digital evidence, tracing financial flows, and addressing systemic vulnerabilities. As investigations continue, the CBI’s efforts, supported by international collaboration and forensic expertise, are poised to disrupt the financial infrastructure of cybercrime. Citizens are urged to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities to the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.

For further details, visit the CBI’s official website or the RBI’s cybersecurity guidelines. Stay informed, stay secure.

Cybercrime Operation Chakra-V CBI Mule Accounts KYC Fraud

About the Author: Budding Forensic Expert is a platform dedicated to analyzing crime and cybersecurity trends through a forensic lens, offering insights into investigations and prevention strategies.