CBI tackles global cybercrime network in major operation

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has successfully conducted a multi-city operation targeting a well-organized cybercrime network involved in fraudulent activities worldwide. This operation, part of Operation Chakra-III, significantly disrupted and dismantled a major transnational technology-based crime network.

Details of the operation

Based on the inputs received, 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. On the late evening of September 26, the CBI conducted coordinated searches at 32 different places in Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Vishakhapatnam.

Arrests and seizures

During the searches, the CBI intercepted 170 persons involved in ongoing online criminal activities across four call centers in Pune, Vishakhapatnam and Hyderabad. So far, 26 key suspects have been arrested, including 10 from Pune, 5 from Hyderabad and 11 from Visakhapatnam. The operation resulted in the seizure of 951 items, including electronic devices, mobile phones, laptops, financial information, communications data and incriminating material. Besides, Rs 58.45 lakh in cash, locker keys and three luxury vehicles were recovered.

Modus Operandi

Posing as technical support services, the cybercriminals approached victims, mainly in the US, claiming that their systems had been hacked. Victims were led to believe that their identities had been stolen and that unauthorized transactions were taking place in their bank accounts. The criminals induced the victims to transfer their bank funds to new accounts or via international gift cards or cryptocurrency.

Ongoing investigations

Investigations into the broader network and international leads are ongoing, in close coordination with HSI (US) and other foreign law enforcement agencies. The operation underlines the CBI’s commitment to combating and dismantling organized technology-based crime networks.

Doubts revealed

CBI -: CBI stands for Central Bureau of Investigation. It is India’s premier agency for investigating serious crimes such as corruption and fraud.

Cybercrime -: Cybercrime means crimes committed with the help of computers or the Internet. This can include hacking, stealing information or misleading people online.

Operation Chakra-III -: Operation Chakra-III is a special mission by the CBI to catch cyber criminals. It is the third part of a series of operations to stop online crime.

Imitation of technical support -: Tech support impersonation involves criminals posing as help desk or tech support agents to trick people into giving them money or personal information.

International law enforcement agencies -: These are police or investigative agencies from different countries that work together to arrest criminals who are active in more than one country.