The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has dismantled a large cybercrime infrastructure used to send lakhs of phishing messages daily across India, arresting three accused under its nationwide cybercrime drive, Operation Chakra-V. The operation targeted an organised network that provided bulk SMS services to cyber fraudsters involved in scams such as fake digital arrests, loan frauds and investment cons.

The CBI launched the action after analysing the surge of fraudulent SMS messages that lure unsuspecting citizens into sharing personal and banking details. Investigators traced the origin of these messages to an organised cyber gang operating from the NCR and Chandigarh region, which was also found to be providing its services to foreign cyber criminals targeting Indian victims.

During the probe, the agency discovered that around 21,000 SIM cards had been procured in violation of Department of Telecommunications (DoT) norms. These SIM cards were centrally controlled through an online platform that enabled the mass transmission of deceptive messages promising fake loans, high-return investments and other financial benefits.

Based on inputs from the DoT, the Sanchar Saathi portal and other intelligence sources, the CBI registered a case against a private firm, M/s Lord Mahavira Services India Pvt. Ltd., which allegedly operated the illegal system that powered the phishing campaign. The infrastructure allowed fraudsters to reach people across multiple states simultaneously.

Searches conducted at several locations in Delhi, Noida and Chandigarh led to the recovery of an active phishing setup, including servers, communication equipment, USB hubs, dongles and thousands of SIM cards. Officials said the seized system was capable of sending lakhs of fraudulent messages every day.

The agency also seized crucial digital evidence, unaccounted cash and cryptocurrency during the operation. Preliminary findings indicate the involvement of certain channel partners of telecom companies and their employees, who allegedly facilitated the illegal procurement of SIM cards. Further investigation is underway to identify additional beneficiaries and links in the network.

The CBI said the crackdown reflects its focus on breaking the technical backbone of organised cybercrime and warned that strict legal action will continue against those who misuse technology to defraud the public.