CBI to utilize its new AI Chatbot Abhay to tackle digital arrests frauds

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will launch an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot named Abhay on Monday to handle the menace of digital arrest frauds. The chatbot will empower people to verify the authenticity of notices issued to them.   

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant will launch the AI-based chatbot on the occasion of the 22nd D P Kohli Memorial Lecture organised by the CBI in honour of its founding director, officials said.

CJI Kant will deliver the lecture on 'Challenges of Cyber Crime - Role for Police and Judiciary'. He will also confer 24 Medals for Meritorious Service.

"The AI-powered notice verification chatbot, ABHAY, will allow the public to verify the genuineness of a notice purportedly issued by the CBI. In the context of digital arrest frauds, this provides a much-required tool for the citizens," a CBI spokesperson said.

In several instances, fraudsters impersonating officials from the Central Bureau of Investigation have intimidated individuals by presenting fake notices linked to non-existent cases. Victims are then subjected to so-called “digital arrests” and coerced into paying large sums, often running into crores, a spokesperson said.

Recently, the Supreme Court of India highlighted the scale of the issue, noting that cybercriminals have siphoned off nearly Rs 54,000 crore through various scams and termed the menace "robbery or dacoity".

Held annually since 2000, the D P Kohli Memorial Lecture has featured addresses by several distinguished personalities.   

"Born in 1907 in Uttar Pradesh, Kohli joined the police service in 1931 and went on to serve with distinction in multiple regions and the government of India. He led the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) from 1955 and became the founding director of CBI upon its establishment on 1st April 1963, serving until his retirement in 1968," the CBI said in a statement.

The lecture brings together eminent speakers from diverse fields to share insights on law enforcement, criminal justice and investigative challenges. It serves as a platform for dialogue and knowledge-sharing and advancing the understanding of modern policing and accountability, it said.