Background and Timeline: Final results from “Operation CyStrike,” a multinational offensive launched on January 30, were released by the CBI on February 2-11, 2026. The crackdown involved search operations at 35 locations across 10 Indian states, including Delhi, Bihar, and West Bengal. The operation was synchronized with law-enforcement agencies in the U.S., UK, Kuwait, Ireland, and Singapore.

Modus Operandi: The operation dismantled two primary transnational cyber-financial networks. One network targeted U.S. victims through high-tech online setups, while the other operated under the domain ‘eservicemoi-Kw.com’. This second module defrauded Indian nationals by providing fake Kuwaiti e-Visas and fraudulent appointment letters for leading Kuwaiti companies.

Victims and Financial Impact: The operation led to the seizure of ₹60 lakh in cash and dozens of laptops and mobile phones containing incriminating evidence of global fraud. It effectively disrupted networks that had siphoned millions from foreign nationals in the UK, Ireland, and Singapore. The fake visa scam specifically targeted blue-collar workers seeking overseas employment, causing them significant financial loss and legal vulnerability.

Investigation and Agencies Involved: The CBI collaborated with international partners to identify mule accounts involved in channelizing proceeds from foreign victims to Indian operatives. Forensic analysis of the seized hard disks is ongoing to map the full extent of the global financial drain. The agency used multinational intelligence to trace the technical nodes of the visa scam operating out of Ghaziabad and Karnataka.

Arrests and Suspects: A key operative was arrested on the spot in New Delhi during the search operations. Several other suspects have been detained for questioning to establish their roles in the transnational network. The CBI spokesperson confirmed that numerous mule accounts used to launder money from foreign jurisdictions have been successfully taken down.

Broader Implications and Trends: Operation CyStrike highlights India’s increasing role as a “global cyber-defender” through multinational cooperation. It demonstrates that “recruitment and visa fraud” have become key vectors for transnational syndicates. This incident reinforces the necessity of international data-sharing to dismantle borderless cybercrime infrastructure.