CBI Arrests 26 Key Operatives & Conducts Multi City Searches At 32 Locations

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Monday has successfully executed a multi-city operation aimed at dismantling a sophisticated cybercrime network engaged in fraudulent activities targeting victims worldwide.

This operation has led to significant disruption of a transnational, technology-enabled crime network, according to an official release.

The investigation stemmed from inputs received regarding this organized cybercrime network, prompting the CBI’s International Operations Division to register a case on September 24 under sections 61 and 318 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and section 66-D read with section 75 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, as part of the ongoing Operation Chakra-III.

Following the investigation, the CBI conducted coordinated searches at 32 locations across Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Vishakhapatnam, starting late on September 26.

During these searches, CBI intercepted 170 individuals involved in online criminal activities at four call centers located in Pune, Vishakhapatnam, and Hyderabad.

As of now, 26 key suspects have been arrested: 10 from Pune, 5 from Hyderabad, and 11 from Vishakhapatnam. Investigations into the roles of additional workers at these illegal call centers are ongoing.

The operation resulted in the seizure of critical digital evidence and incriminating materials, including 951 items such as electronic devices, mobile phones, laptops, financial information, communication records, and other materials utilized by the cybercrime network.

Additionally, cash amounting to ₹58.45 lakh, locker keys, and three luxury vehicles were recovered.

Officials report that the cybercriminals targeted in this operation were involved in various illicit activities, including impersonating tech support services.

They approached victims—predominantly in the USA—claiming that their systems had been hacked and their identities compromised. Victims were misled into believing they were under surveillance due to allegedly suspicious orders, prompting them to transfer their bank holdings to new accounts set up by the criminals to “safeguard” their finances.

In some cases, victims were coerced into transferring funds through international gift cards or cryptocurrency.

The extent of wrongful losses incurred by victims from this criminal network is significant, according to the official statement.

Investigations into the broader network and international leads are ongoing, in close coordination with the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and other foreign law enforcement agencies.

As part of the larger Operation Chakra-III, the CBI’s International Operations Division continues to identify and act against organized technology-enabled crime networks in collaboration with INTERPOL and various foreign agencies.

This operation, coordinated with law enforcement agencies across multiple countries, underscores the CBI’s commitment to combatting and dismantling organized technology-enabled crime networks.

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