The Supreme Court has shown a tough stance on the big digital arrest fraud and has ordered the CBI to start investigation across the country. In the last few months, this scam has defrauded crores of rupees from many people. The court said that This matter has now become so big that immediate action is necessary.
Instructions to all states to allow CBI
The Supreme Court said in clear words that all the states of the country, irrespective of which party is in government, should immediately give approval to CBI for this investigation. The court accepted that to stop fraud with such a large network, it is most important to investigate in a centralized manner by a single agency.
Banks will also be investigated, CBI gets free hand
The court has also given liberty to CBI that if any bank wrongly allowed accounts to be opened, which were used in this fraud, then those bankers can also be investigated.
This investigation will be done under the Anti-Corruption Act. The Supreme Court clearly said that whatever weakness there is in the banking system, it is necessary to bring it to the fore, because scams take advantage of this laxity.
Order to provide full support to social media companies
Digital arrest scam runs through phone calls, video calls and messaging platforms. Therefore, the court has clearly told Meta, Google and other social media companies to immediately provide all the necessary data, information and technical help to the CBI.
The court also admitted that scammers usually spread fear by posing as police, agencies or government officials, and people get scared and send money. Therefore the support of digital platforms is necessary.
CBI will also be able to take help of Interpol
The Supreme Court also directed that if the investigation reveals that this gang is operating from outside India, or money is being sent abroad, then the CBI can take the help of Interpol.
Action can be taken by coordinating between the agencies of both the countries, so that the network spread at the international level can be ended.
Answer sought from government on misuse of SIM card
The bench has asked the Telecom Department to explain how fake SIMs are being issued on such a large scale and what new steps can be taken to stop them. The court said that scammers obtain SIMs on fake identity cards and false documents and make calls from these numbers to threaten or trap people.
AI identification instructions
The Supreme Court has advised RBI to use technology more. Especially with the help of AI and machine learning, the system to identify these fake accounts, stop illegal transactions of money and arrest fake accounts should be strengthened.
The court said that banks often find out late that the account has been misused, hence it is necessary to make the technology fast and smart.
States ordered to strengthen cyber cells
All state governments have also been instructed to make their cyber crime units more agile, efficient and resourceful.
