CBI destroys global cybercrime with multi-city raids

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has conducted a multi-city operation, effectively breaking up a sophisticated cybercrime network involved in global fraudulent activities. According to an official press release, this large-scale operation significantly disrupted and dismantled a transnational technology-based crime network.

Based on the information gathered about the organized cybercrime network, the CBI’s International Operations Division on September 24 registered a case under Sections 61 and 318 of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 and 66-D read with 75 of the Information Technology Act of 2000, as part of Operation Chakra-III.

The CBI investigation led to coordinated searches at 32 locations in Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Vishakhapatnam, starting on the evening of September 26. During these searches, 170 individuals were intercepted at four call centers engaged in ongoing cybercrime activities.

The CBI has arrested 26 main suspects: 10 from Pune, 5 from Hyderabad and 11 from Vishakhapatnam. The investigation is ongoing and is investigating the role of other employees at these illegal call centers. The operation led to the seizure of 951 items, including electronic devices, mobile phones, laptops, financial data, communications data and other incriminating material. Besides, Rs 58.45 lakh worth of cash, locker keys and three luxury vehicles have been recovered.

Officials stated that the cybercriminals were involved in various illegal activities, such as impersonating technical support services and misleading victims in the US into believing that their systems had been hacked. They induced victims to transfer their bank funds to new accounts provided by the cybercriminals to supposedly secure their finances. Some victims were forced to send money via international gift cards or cryptocurrency.

According to the official press release, the victims have suffered major financial losses. The ongoing investigation, in coordination with HSI (US) and other foreign law enforcement agencies, is part of the broader Operation CHAKRA-III. The CBI’s International Operations Division, in collaboration with INTERPOL and international law enforcement agencies, is rapidly identifying and targeting organized, technology-based crime networks. This operation accentuates the CBI’s commitment to combating and dismantling technology-enabled crime syndicates.

(With input from agencies.)