In a major crackdown on corruption, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a Sub-Inspector (SI) from the Cyber Police Station, Rohini, New Delhi, for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹2.5 lakh. The bribe was reportedly paid through a complex network of hawala operators based in Mumbai, Erode (Tamil Nadu), and New Delhi.
Bribery Allegations & Threats
The arrest came after a written complaint was filed against the accused officer and unidentified individuals. According to the complaint, the victim, a Mumbai-based travel business operator, had business dealings with a private Cash Management System (CMS) company. Later, the complainant discovered that the virtual wallet login credentials provided by the company were created under a fake identity. This matter was under investigation by the Cyber Police Station, Rohini.
The accused officer allegedly issued a notice to the complainant’s brother-in-law, who was then called for questioning. During the interrogation, the accused reportedly threatened them with arrest unless a bribe was paid.
Extortion of ₹50 Lakh Bribe
According to the complaint, the accused SI visited the complainant’s residence in Navi Mumbai on March 7, 2025, and demanded a massive ₹50 lakh bribe to remove their names from the case. The next day, the accused allegedly called the complainant to a hotel on Ghodbunder Road, Mumbai, where he again threatened him and typed a bribe demand of ₹16 lakh on his mobile phone.
Later, when the complainant, along with his lawyer, visited the Cyber Police Station in Rohini, the accused continued to intimidate them and warned of serious consequences if the bribe was not paid.
Following negotiations, the accused reduced the bribe amount to ₹14 lakh and instructed the complainant to deliver the money through hawala operators. He later provided specific details of the hawala network, including the token number and contact details of the Mumbai-based hawala operator who would receive the bribe on behalf of the accused.
CBI Trap & Arrest
Acting on the complaint, CBI laid a successful trap on March 19, 2025, in which a hawala operator in Mumbai was caught accepting ₹2.5 lakh as part of the bribe amount. The transaction was carried out through multiple hawala layers across Mumbai, Erode (Tamil Nadu), and New Delhi.
Following the sting operation, CBI arrested the Sub-Inspector in Delhi on March 19, 2025. The accused was produced before the Special CBI Court at Rouse Avenue, New Delhi, on March 20, 2025, where he was granted transit remand until March 21, 2025. He is scheduled to be presented before the designated CBI court in Mumbai tomorrow.
Ongoing Investigation
The CBI has confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing. Authorities are tracing the entire hawala network and probing the involvement of other officials or private individuals in the bribery and money laundering operation.
This case highlights the serious issue of corruption within law enforcement agencies and the use of hawala networks for illicit financial transactions. The CBI has reiterated its commitment to taking strict action against corrupt officials to ensure accountability and maintain public trust in the justice system.
