CBI Cracks Down on Global Cybercrime Network

The CBI has arrested 26 individuals in a multi-state operation targeting global cybercrime. Raids across Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Visakhapatnam led to the seizure of Rs 58.45 lakh, luxury vehicles, and incriminating materials. The primary crimes involved false tech support claims targeting victims in the USA.

In a multi-state crackdown on organised cybercrime, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested 26 alleged cybercriminals involved in fraudulent activities targeting people globally, officials said on Monday.

The action under operation Chakra-III started with raids at 32 different locations across Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Visakhapatnam late last Thursday night. The central agency seized Rs 58.45 lakh in cash, locker keys, and three luxury vehicles, officials confirmed.

Four call centers -- V.C. Inconformities Pvt. Ltd at Regent Plaza in Pune; V.C. Infrometrix Pvt. Ltd at Murli Nagar in Visakhapatnam; Viajex Solutions in Hyderabad; and Atriya Global Services Pvt. Ltd in Visakhapatnam -- were among the raided locations. The CBI intercepted 170 individuals engaged in live online criminal activities across these call centers.

The cybercriminals targeted in this operation were involved in a range of illicit activities, including impersonating tech support services and scamming victims, particularly in the USA, by claiming their systems had been hacked, a CBI spokesperson said in a statement. Victims were convinced by the criminals that their identities had been stolen and unauthorized transactions were being made in their bank accounts.

The scammers told victims they were under investigation by their respective countries' agencies and induced them to transfer their bank holdings into new accounts provided by the cybercriminals to safeguard their finances. In some instances, the victims were intimidated into transferring funds through international gift cards or cryptocurrency, leading to extensive financial losses.

The CBI has so far arrested 10 cybercriminals from Pune, five from Hyderabad, and 11 from Visakhapatnam. Further investigation and questioning of other workers at these illegal call centers are ongoing. Operations have led to the seizure of 951 items including electronic devices, mobile phones, laptops, financial information, and communication records used by the cybercrime network, resulting in significant disruption and dismantling of the major transnational technology-enabled crime network.

(With inputs from agencies.)