CBI-FBI busts cybercrime network, one arrested after raids in Mumbai, Kolkata

Mumbai, Sep 14 (SocialNews.XYZ) In a large-scale operation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in collaboration with the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has busted a sophisticated cybercriminal network dealing in virtual assets and precious metals. Raids were conducted in Mumbai and Kolkata.

The cybercriminal network has been targeting victims in several countries since 2022. The CBI-FBI operation has led to the arrest of a perpetrator from Mumbai, identified as Vishnu Rathi.

Following a complaint, the International Operations Wing of the CBI filed a case against the main accused Rathi and others on September 9 (2024) and initiated a thorough investigation into the scam.

According to the CBI, accused Rathi allegedly hatched a plot to target an American woman by remotely gaining unauthorized access to her computer and bank accounts.

They attempted to lure the American citizen under the pretense of offering technical support and then falsely informed her that her bank account had been “hacked.”

They claimed that her bank account was compromised in the hack and allegedly manipulated her into transferring $453,953 (nearly Rs 3.81 crore) to cryptocurrency wallets under their control, before disappearing.

After the case was registered, the CBI raided several locations believed to be linked to Rathi and seized significant incriminating evidence.

The searches were carried out on September 12 and 13 at seven locations in Mumbai and Kolkata. The CBI sleuths unearthed details of how the transnational financial crime cyber network was channelling the proceeds of crime through virtual assets and precious metals.

At Rathi’s residence in Mumbai, the CBI found 57 gold bars of 100 grams each (5.70 kg, worth several crores of rupees), along with Rs 16 lakh in cash, mobile phones and laptops used to manage the cryptocurrency, bank locker details, documents and other incriminating material.

The CBI-FBI collaboration, and similar joint investigations with law enforcement agencies around the world, were conducted through Interpol tips and follow-up on leads, etc.

‘Operation CHAKRA-III’, as it is called, is designed to combat and dismantle organised, cyber-based financial crime syndicates through a globally coordinated law enforcement operation using Interpol channels.

Rathi has been charged under IPS sections 120-B, 420 and IT Act Sec. 66D and 75. Further investigation is on to identify other victims and recover the proceeds of crime.

Source: IANS

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