The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has uncovered a massive international cyber fraud network involving four foreign nationals and 111 shell companies, with transactions exceeding ₹1,000 crore across hundreds of bank accounts. The case highlights the growing scale and sophistication of organised cybercrime targeting Indian citizens.
According to the CBI, the fraudsters used misleading loan offers, fake investment schemes, bogus part-time job advertisements and fraudulent online gaming platforms to cheat thousands of people across the country. Many of these scams operated on Ponzi and Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) models, luring victims with promises of quick and high returns.
The investigation began after the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, flagged a surge in online investment and employment frauds. Though initially appearing as separate complaints, detailed analysis revealed common mobile applications, payment gateways, fund-flow patterns and digital footprints, exposing a single, well-coordinated network.
CBI has filed a chargesheet against 17 individuals, including the four foreign nationals and several Indian associates. Three key accused were arrested earlier in October. Searches were conducted at 27 locations across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand and Haryana, leading to the seizure of digital devices, documents and financial records.
Investigators found that the syndicate operated through 111 shell companies created using fake directors, forged documents and false addresses. These companies were used to open bank accounts and payment gateways to route illegal funds. In one instance, a single bank account received more than ₹152 crore in a short span.
Forensic evidence revealed that the operation was remotely controlled by foreign handlers from abroad. A UPI ID linked to Indian accused was found active from a foreign location as late as August 2025, confirming overseas supervision.
The foreign nationals identified as masterminds are Zou Yi, Huan Liu, Weijian Liu and Guanhua Wang. The crackdown is part of CBI’s Operation CHAKRA-V, aimed at dismantling organised international cyber economic crimes in India.
