16 key figures from AP, Telangana, among 26 held in CBI’s Operation Chakra-III

This operation resulted in significant disruption and dismantling of a major transnational, technology-enabled crime network. Based on inputs from this organized cybercrime network, the CBI’s International Operations Division registered case No. RC2312024S0010 on September 24, 2024. Under Sections 61 and 318 of BNSS, 2023 and 66-D read with 75 of the Information Technology Act, 2000. as part of the ongoing Operation Chakra-III, a statement said.

After launching an investigation, the CBI quickly conducted coordinated searches at 32 different places in Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Visakhapatnam from the late evening of September 26, 2024. During house searches, the CBI was able to red-handedly intercept 170 persons engaged in continuous online activities. criminal activities in four call centers – VC Infrometrix Pvt. Ltd at Regent Plaza, Pune, VC Infrometrix Pvt. Ltd at Murli Nagar in Visakhapatnam, Viajex Solutions in Hyderabad and Atriya Global Services Pvt. Ltd. in Visakhapatnam.

The CBI has so far arrested 26 key suspects – 10 from Pune, five from Hyderabad and 11 from Visakhapatnam, while investigation and interrogation into the role of other employees in these illegal call centers are still ongoing.

These operations have resulted in the seizure of critical digital evidence and incriminating material. As many as 951 items have been seized including electronic devices, mobile phones, laptops, financial information, communication data and incriminating material used by this cybercrime network for criminal activities and to defraud victims.

Besides, Rs.58.45 lakh cash, locker keys and three luxury vehicles have been recovered.

The cybercriminals targeted in this operation engaged in a range of illegal activities, including posing as technical support services and soliciting victims, primarily in the US under the guise that the victim’s systems had been hacked.

Victims were led to believe that their identities had been stolen and that a large number of unauthorized transactions were taking place on their bank accounts. The victims were falsely led to believe that they were under the surveillance of law enforcement agencies due to suspicious orders allegedly placed by them.

The cybercriminals then induced the victims to transfer their bank funds to new bank accounts provided by the cybercriminals under the guise of securing their finances. In some cases, cybercriminals intimidated victims into transferring money to them via international gift cards or cryptocurrencies.

Major unlawful losses have been suffered by the victims targeted by this criminal network. The broader network and international leads are being investigated in close coordination with HSI (US) and other foreign law enforcement agencies.

As part of the larger ongoing Operation Chakra-III, the CBI’s International Operations Division, working closely with INTERPOL and foreign law enforcement agencies, has taken swift action against organized technology-enabled crime networks.

The operation, coordinated with law enforcement agencies in multiple countries, underscores the CBI’s commitment to combating and dismantling organized, technology-enabled crime networks.