A highly organised cybercrime network was the target of a multi-city operation carried out by the CBI
INN/Chennai, @Infodeaofficial
A multi-city investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) successfully targeted a highly organised cybercrime network that was engaging in fraudulent activities aimed at victims all over the world. This operation has caused a large-scale, cross-national criminal network that was facilitated by technology to be severely disrupted and dismantled.
As part of ongoing Operation Chakra-III, the International Operations Division of the CBI registered Case No. RC2312024S0010 on September 24, 2024, under sections 61 and 318 of the BNSS, 2023, and 66-D read with 75 of the Information Technology Act of 2000. This registration was based on inputs regarding this organised cyber crime network. Following the commencement of a probe, the CBI moved quickly to carry out coordinated searches in 32 locations in Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Vishakhapatnam starting late on September 26, 2024. 170 people involved in active online criminal activity were redhandedly intercepted by the CBI during searches across four call centres: 1. M/s V.C. Infrometrix Pvt. Ltd at Regent Plaza, Pune; 2. M/s V.C. Infrometrix Pvt. Ltd, Murli Nagar, Vishakhapatnam 3. Hyderabad-based M/s Viajex Solutions 4. Vishakhapatnam-based M/s Atriya Global Services Pvt. Ltd.
26 major suspects have so far been brought under custody by the CBI (10 from Pune, 05 from Hyderabad, and 11 from Visakhapatnam), and enquiries into the involvement of other personnel at these illicit call centres are still being conducted. As a result of these activities, important digital evidence and damning material were seized. 951 items, including laptops, mobile phones, electronic devices, financial records, communication logs, and damning evidence used by this cybercrime network for criminal conduct and victim deception, have been seized. Three luxury cars, locker keys, and 58.45 lakh rupees in cash have also been found.
The cybercriminals that were the subject of this investigation engaged in a variety of illegal acts, such as posing as tech support services and contacting victims—particularly those in the USA—under the pretence that their systems had been compromised. The victims were led to believe that numerous unauthorised transactions were occurring in their bank accounts and that their identities had been stolen. Due to fictitious orders purportedly issued by law enforcement, the victims were duped into thinking they were being watched.
Under the pretence of protecting their funds, the cybercriminals subsequently tricked the victims into transferring their bank balances into new bank accounts that they provided. Cybercriminals have occasionally used intimidation to coerce victims into sending money to them in the form of cryptocurrency or international gift cards. This criminal network targeted victims who suffered significant unlawful losses.
In strong cooperation with HSI (USA) and other international law enforcement agencies, investigations into the larger network and on foreign leads are still underway. The CBI’s International Operations Division, working closely with INTERPOL and foreign law enforcement agencies, has been swiftly identifying and disrupting organised criminal networks through technology as part of the broader ongoing OPERATION CHAKRA-III. The operation, which was coordinated with law enforcement organisations from several nations, demonstrates the CBI’s dedication to battling and taking down organised crime networks that are enabled by technology.