The Supreme Court of India is considering directing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct a coordinated investigation into the increasing number of digital extortion cases. These cases often involve cybercriminals impersonating law enforcement officials to illegally obtain money from unsuspecting victims.

During a recent session, a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi inquired whether the CBI possesses the resources to effectively manage a large number of such investigations. The court has refrained from issuing a final order without first hearing from the state governments. It has directed the state governments to submit details of First Information Reports (FIRs) filed concerning digital arrest cases where cybercriminals impersonate law enforcement to extort money.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the bench that the CBI is already investigating some of these cases. Justice Kant remarked that the Supreme Court should be informed if the CBI requires expert assistance for the investigations. Mehta responded that the "CBI is taking assistance from the cybercrime division of the Ministry of Home Affairs".

Justice Bagchi raised concerns about the potential volume of cases, referencing the pressure the CBI faced during investigations into Ponzi schemes when they sought to offload some cases. He questioned whether the CBI was prepared for an exclusive investigation into the digital extortion cases.

The Supreme Court is contemplating a "uniform" probe in all cases related to digital arrests. The court is weighing the necessity of a coordinated investigation by the CBI into the alarming surge in digital impersonation crimes. The court asked about the CBI's capability to manage such inquiries effectively.