The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has uncovered an alleged banking recruitment fraud network operating across Delhi, Bihar, Haryana and West Bengal. On October 8, 2026, the agency arrested four individuals, including an inspector from the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) department, in connection with an alleged impersonation racket involving public-sector banking examinations.
The CBI’s Mumbai Special Task Branch conducted coordinated raids across multiple states after registering a First Information Report (FIR) based on a complaint filed by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), which conducts recruitment examinations for public-sector banks and regional rural banks.
How the Alleged Recruitment Scam Operated
According to the investigation, the accused allegedly appeared in written examinations and interviews on behalf of actual candidates, allowing them to progress through the banking recruitment process through impersonation. The alleged activity undermined the fairness of competitive examinations and disadvantaged genuine candidates.
The case has raised concerns about examination security, identity verification and the effectiveness of safeguards used during large-scale recruitment drives. Investigators are examining the suspected network and the roles played by individuals allegedly involved in the operation.
Investigation Reveals Wider Concerns
Reports indicate that the IBPS identified hundreds of suspicious cases through data analysis, photograph comparisons and biometric matching of candidates who appeared in recruitment examinations between 2020 and 2024. The complaint reportedly flagged 257 selected candidates for suspected impersonation, with 180 allegedly working in public-sector and regional rural banks.
The investigation is ongoing, and the CBI is working to establish the roles of other suspected participants. The allegations remain subject to the legal process.
What This Means for Banking Recruitment
The case highlights the importance of stronger identity checks, biometric verification and cross-checking of examination records in government and banking recruitment. Reliable verification systems are essential to protect genuine applicants and maintain public confidence in competitive examinations.
The investigation may also prompt recruitment authorities to review existing procedures and strengthen safeguards against impersonation and other forms of examination fraud.