CBI Arrests Two ED Officials in ₹5 Lakh Bribery Case in Lucknow

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested two Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials in Lucknow for allegedly demanding and accepting a ₹5 lakh bribe to extend favours in an ongoing ED case. The accused, an Enforcement Officer and a Head Constable posted at the agency's Lucknow Zone office, were arrested following a CBI trap operation.

The officials have been identified as Deepak Kumar, an Enforcement Officer, and Manoj Dwivedi, a Head Constable. The CBI registered the case on October 23, 2026, based on a complaint alleging that Dwivedi had demanded money from the complainant's father.

Head Constable Caught Accepting ₹5 Lakh

According to the CBI, the complainant's father had received two summons in connection with an ED case in August and September 2026. The complaint alleged that Dwivedi demanded a bribe in exchange for extending favours to him in the matter.

The CBI laid a trap and allegedly caught Dwivedi red-handed while demanding and accepting ₹5 lakh on behalf of Enforcement Officer Deepak Kumar.

Dwivedi was on deputation to the ED and is alleged to have played a key role in the bribery operation. Both officials have been apprehended, and further investigation is underway.

CBI Also Arrested Accused in ₹1.04 Crore Cyber Fraud

In a separate case, the CBI recently arrested Muhammed Fasal K, an alleged key member of an international cyber fraud and ATM card smuggling syndicate, from his residence in Thamarassery, Kozhikode.

The case relates to a cyber fraud of ₹1,04,40,111 reported in July 2024. A Thrissur-based complainant was allegedly duped by fraudsters posing as FedEx officials and cybercrime police personnel, who forced him to transfer the money under the pretext of verifying his bank account.

ATM Cards Allegedly Smuggled to Dubai

The CBI investigation uncovered an alleged international network that purchased debit and ATM cards from young people and students for amounts ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹7,000 each before smuggling them to Dubai.

According to investigators, the cards were used by foreign associates to withdraw money obtained through cyber fraud. The probe also found that the accused allegedly withdrew funds abroad, invested them in real estate across India and smuggled gold into Keralam.

Muhammed Fasal K was earlier intercepted at Bengaluru Airport on May 13, 2026, while allegedly attempting to travel to Sharjah. The interception followed the issuance of a Look Out Circular against him.

The CBI is investigating the alleged international network and the movement of funds linked to the cyber fraud.