CBI busts cybercrime network, arrests prime suspect in Mumbai

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Vishnu Rathi, an alleged cybercriminal from Mumbai, for defrauding a US citizen of $4.5 lakh by pretending to provide technical support, officials said on Saturday.

The crackdown was part of Operation Chakra-3, a joint effort with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) aimed at dismantling complex cybercrime networks. The CBI dismantled a sophisticated virtual asset and bullion-backed network that has been targeting foreign victims since 2022, they added.

Rathi was arrested in Mumbai by the International Operations Division (IOD) of the CBI and brought to Delhi. He was produced before a magistrate, who remanded him in CBI custody for five days, noting the need for interrogation in remand for a fair investigation.

In raids conducted at seven locations over the past two days, the CBI seized 57 gold bars, Rs 16 lakh cash and several electronic devices used for managing cryptocurrencies from Rathi’s premises.

The agency found evidence that this transnational cyber-enabled financial crime network was channeling proceeds through virtual assets and precious metals. The CBI had registered the case on September 9. Allegations against Rathi include unauthorized remote access to a victim’s computer and bank account.

The CBI is working closely with the FBI and law enforcement agencies in multiple countries through Interpol for further investigation. Operation CHAKRA-III is focused on combating and dismantling organized cyber-enabled financial crime networks through a globally coordinated law enforcement response.

(With input from agencies.)