CBI Cracks Down on Global Cybercrime Network in Major Operation
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) successfully conducted a multi-city operation targeting a highly organized cybercrime network involved in fraudulent activities globally. This operation, part of Operation Chakra-III, has significantly disrupted and dismantled a major transnational technology-enabled crime network.
Details of the Operation
Based on inputs received, the International Operations Division of CBI registered a case on September 24 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. Starting on the late evening of September 26, CBI conducted coordinated searches at 32 different places across Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Vishakhapatnam.
Arrests and Seizures
During the searches, CBI intercepted 170 persons engaged in ongoing online criminal activities across four call centers in Pune, Vishakhapatnam, and Hyderabad. So far, 26 key accused persons 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, communication records, and incriminating material. Additionally, rupees 58.45 lakh in cash, locker keys, and three luxury vehicles were recovered.
Modus Operandi
The cybercriminals impersonated tech support services and approached victims, especially in the USA, claiming that their systems had been hacked. Victims were made to believe that their identities had been stolen and that unauthorized transactions were being made in their bank accounts. The criminals induced victims to transfer their bank holdings into new accounts or through international gift cards or cryptocurrency.
Ongoing Investigations
Investigations into the broader network and international leads are ongoing in close coordination with HSI (USA) and other foreign law enforcement agencies. The operation underscores CBI’s commitment to combatting and dismantling organized technology-enabled crime networks.
Doubts Revealed
CBI -: CBI stands for Central Bureau of Investigation. It is India’s main agency for investigating serious crimes like corruption and fraud.
Cybercrime -: Cybercrime means crimes that are done using computers or the internet. This can include hacking, stealing information, or tricking people online.
Operation Chakra-III -: Operation Chakra-III is a special mission by the CBI to catch cybercriminals. It is the third part of a series of operations to stop online crimes.
Tech support impersonation -: Tech support impersonation is when criminals pretend to be helpdesk or tech support workers to trick people into giving them money or personal information.
International law enforcement agencies -: These are police or investigation agencies from different countries that work together to catch criminals who operate in more than one country.
