Cyber Crime
CBI and Interpol Bust International Tech Support Scam, Arrest 26 Cyber Criminals Targeting Victims Worldwide
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has dismantled a major technology-enabled crime network, arresting 26 key operatives involved in global fraudulent activities. The operation spanned multiple cities across India, with searches conducted at 32 locations, targeting call centers involved in high-tech scams.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has successfully dismantled a highly organized cybercrime network involved in fraudulent activities, targeting victims worldwide. This major operation led to the arrest of 26 key operatives from cities including Pune, Hyderabad, and Visakhapatnam. CBI conducted coordinated searches across 32 locations, disrupting a sophisticated technology-enabled criminal network.
The operation, named Operation Chakra-III, focused on call centers that were involved in scamming individuals by posing as technical support agents. The scammers tricked victims into believing their personal systems were compromised and their bank accounts were being monitored by law enforcement agencies. Under this false pretense, the victims were coerced into transferring their funds into accounts controlled by the cyber criminals. In some cases, the scammers even intimidated victims into making transfers using international credit cards and cryptocurrency, leading to significant financial losses.
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The CBI launched this operation after receiving crucial intelligence from their International Operations Division. On September 24, 2024, they registered a formal case under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act, 2000. Within days, CBI teams moved swiftly, executing searches across four major call centers located in Pune, Hyderabad, and Visakhapatnam. These centers were identified as key locations where cyber criminals were operating.
During the raids, over 170 individuals involved in illegal call center operations were intercepted, and 26 of the key figures behind the network were taken into custody. The authorities have also seized critical digital evidence, including 951 electronic devices, communication records, and financial information, which were used by the criminals to defraud victims. Additionally, assets worth Rs 58.45 lakhs in cash were confiscated, along with several luxury cars.
The cybercrime operation had international implications, with many of the victims located in the USA. The criminals, impersonating tech support agents, falsely informed victims that their bank accounts were at risk due to suspicious activities. Using this fear, they persuaded victims to transfer funds to fraudulent accounts. These operations have caused immense financial damage to victims.
CBI’s investigation into this broader cyber network is ongoing. International leads and coordination with agencies such as INTERPOL and foreign law enforcement are being pursued to target other global elements of the scam.
This operation highlights CBI’s commitment to tackling and dismantling complex, technology-enabled criminal networks that exploit individuals on a global scale.
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