The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has intensified its nationwide crackdown on cybercrime infrastructure under Operation Chakra-V, arresting Ubaid Ullah, a key conspirator in Guwahati who had been absconding since August 2025. Ullah is accused of playing a central role in procuring and distributing nearly 10,000 fraudulently issued SIM cards, which were later used in scams such as “digital arrest” frauds, fake loan schemes, and bogus investment operations. Investigators revealed that he transferred around Rs 67 lakh through multiple bank accounts to Point of Sale (POS) agents in exchange for these SIM cards, and even relied on courier services to transport them – pointing to a highly organised and structured network.
The CBI’s probe highlights how cybercriminals exploit weak verification processes at POS outlets to create anonymous communication channels, enabling large-scale fraud. These SIM cards formed the backbone of operations that targeted unsuspecting victims across India, draining them financially and eroding trust in digital systems. As part of the investigation, searches have been conducted at 45 locations across eight states, leading to the arrest of 10 POS agents allegedly involved in the racket. Officials believe this network is a critical enabler of organised cybercrime, and dismantling it is essential to curbing the rise of digital fraud.
Operation Chakra-V represents a strategic shift in India’s fight against cybercrime, focusing not just on perpetrators but on facilitators and logistics networks that sustain illegal activities. The CBI reiterated its commitment to coordinated, intelligence-driven action, stressing inter-agency collaboration as key to tackling the growing menace. With Ullah’s arrest, investigators are now working to identify and apprehend other conspirators linked to the racket, aiming to break the infrastructure that allows cybercriminals to thrive.