CBI Smashes Global Cybercrime Ring in Multi-City Raids

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) dismantled a global cybercrime network through coordinated raids in multiple cities. The operation resulted in 26 arrests and seizure of crucial evidence, disrupting a major technology-enabled criminal syndicate.

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

Based on intelligence gathered about the organized cybercrime network, 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, 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 key suspects—10 from Pune, 5 from Hyderabad, and 11 from Vishakhapatnam. The investigation is ongoing, scrutinizing the roles of other employees at these illicit call centers. The operation has led to the seizure of 951 items, including electronic devices, mobile phones, laptops, financial data, communication records, and other incriminating materials. Additionally, Rs 58.45 lakh in cash, locker keys, and three luxury vehicles have been recovered.

Officials stated that the cybercriminals were engaged in various illegal activities, such as impersonating tech support services and deceiving victims in the USA into believing their systems were hacked. They induced victims to transfer their bank funds into new accounts provided by the cybercriminals for purportedly safeguarding their finances. Some victims were coerced into sending money through international gift cards or cryptocurrency.

Extensive financial losses were incurred by the victims, as per the official release. The ongoing investigation, in coordination with HSI (USA) and other foreign law enforcement agencies, is part of the wider Operation CHAKRA-III. The International Operations Division of CBI is rapidly identifying and targeting organized tech-enabled crime networks in collaboration with INTERPOL and international law enforcement agencies. This operation accentuates CBI's dedication to combatting and dismantling technology-enabled crime syndicates.

(With inputs from agencies.)