CBI arrests three accused of sending bulk phishing messages

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested three accused persons and unearthed a major network through which phishing messages were being sent across the country. The messages were tricking people into various cyberfraud activities, including fake digital arrests, loan scams, and investment frauds.

The arrestees have been identified as Sonveer Singh, Maneesh Upreti, and Himalaya.

Under the ongoing Operation Chakra-V against cybercrime syndicates, the CBI studied a large number of fake SMSes that people receive daily, which often lead them into serious financial fraud. During the investigation, the agency identified an organised cyber gang operating from the National Capital Region and Chandigarh areas.

This gang was providing bulk SMS services to cybercriminals, who were using it to cheat Indian citizens. Around 21,000 SIM cards were obtained in violation of Department of Telecommunication (DoT) rules. “These SIM cards were controlled through an online platform to send bulk messages. The messages offered fake loans, investment opportunities, and other financial benefits, with the aim of stealing personal and banking details of innocent people,” the agency said.

Working closely with the DoT and using information from various sources, including the Sanchar Saathi portal, the CBI registered a case against a private company, Lord Mahavira Services India Private Limited. The company was allegedly running the above illegal system that allowed fraudsters to send large numbers of fake messages to people across India.

“Searches were conducted at several locations in Delhi, Noida, and Chandigarh. During these searches, the CBI found a complete and active system used for sending phishing messages. This system included servers, communication devices, USB hubs, dongles, and thousands of SIM cards. Using this set-up, lakhs of fraud messages were being sent every day,” the agency said.

The CBI has seized important digital evidence, unaccounted cash, and cryptocurrency during the operation. “Early findings also suggest the involvement of some channel partners of telecom companies and their employees, who helped in illegally arranging SIM cards for this fraud. Three people have been arrested so far,” the CBI said.